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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/13577-0.txt b/13577-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b104c08 --- /dev/null +++ b/13577-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6536 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13577 *** + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustrations. + See 13577-h.htm or 13577-h.zip: + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/3/5/7/13577/13577-h/13577-h.htm) + or + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/3/5/7/13577/13577-h.zip) + + + + + +THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS AFLOAT + +Or, The Stormy Cruise of the Red Rover + +by + +Janet Aldridge + +Author of + _The Meadow-Brook Girls Under Canvas_, + _The Meadow-Brook Girls Across Country_, + _The Meadow-Brook Girls in the Hills_, etc. + +Illustrated + +1913 + + + + + + + +[Illustration: "It's the 'Red Rover'!"] + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER + + I. SCENTING A MYSTERY + + II. CRAZY JANE MAKES A DISCOVERY + + III. SETTING UP HOUSEKEEPING + + IV. A SUDDEN AWAKENING + + V. LAND HO! + + VI. CAPTAIN GEORGE MAKES A FIND + + VII. A MYSTERIOUS NIGHT JOURNEY + + VIII. THE ISLAND OF DELIGHT + + IX. THE TRAMP CLUB IS ALARMED + + X. THEIR SUSPICIONS AROUSED + + XI. MARGERY MAKES A CUSTARD + + XII. MAKING AN EXCITING DISCOVERY + + XIII. AN EARLY MORNING SURPRISE + + XIV. THE MIDNIGHT ALARM + + XV. THE ROUT OF THE PIRATE CREW + + XVI. A MIDNIGHT VISITOR + + XVII. A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE + +XVIII. A FRUITLESS SEARCH + + XIX. THE TRAMP CLUB FINDS A CLUE + + XX. JANE PLAYS EAVESDROPPER + + XXI. A DOUBLE SURPRISE + + XXII. SPOOKS OF THE LONESOME ISLE + +XXIII. ON A STORMY CRUISE + + XXIV. CONCLUSION + + + + +CHAPTER I + +SCENTING A MYSTERY + + +"I wouldn't advise you young ladies to take the boat out." + +Miss Elting instantly recalled the message from her brother. The +telegram was in her pocket at that moment, "If you have any trouble, Dee +Dickinson will see that you are protected," read the message. It was Dee +Dickinson who had spoken to her that moment. + +Dee had made a distinctly unfavorable impression on Miss Elting, the +guardian and companion of the Meadow-Brook Girls. Her brother's fishing +boat had been left in the care of this man by her brother Bert, who had +now turned it over to his sister and the Meadow-Brook Girls for their +summer vacation. + +"Why not?" questioned the young woman in answer to his words of warning. +"Isn't the boat in good condition?" + +"Oh, yes. That is, it isn't by any means in a sinking condition." + +"Then why do you advise us not to use it?" + +"The lake gets rather rough at times, you know," he replied evasively. + +"My brother wrote you that we were coming up here, did he not?" + +"Oh, yes. But you see it's been a year since he used the old scow. She +is a year older, now, and--" + +"I am quite sure that my brother would not have permitted us to take the +houseboat were it not perfectly safe for us to do so. Please tell me +what is the matter with it?" + +"There's nothing the matter with it, I tell you, except that it's an old +fishing scow with a roof over it. It isn't a fit place for a party of +young ladies," Dee replied, with a shrug of his shoulders. "Of course, +if you are set on taking the boat, I'll have to get it ready for you; +but, if anything happens to it, remember that I warned you." + +"We shall not forget," answered the guardian dryly. "If it stays on top +of the lake we surely cannot expect anything more. Where is the boat?" + +"A couple of miles down the lake." + +"Kindly direct us so that we may find it, and--" + +"No, no," interposed Dickinson hastily. "I'll have it brought up here to +the dock, so you can get at it more easily. There'll be some things you +will wish to do to it. Having it here at Wantagh will be much more +convenient for you. I'll try to have it here for you by to-night, or +early in the morning. But you'll be sick of your bargain, I promise you +that." + +"Do you mean us to infer that the boat is not safe?" interjected Harriet +Burrell. + +"I haven't said so," answered the man rather sharply, turning to her. +"I've told you that it isn't the kind of craft for young women to live +on all summer." + +"We shall decide that matter ourselves," returned Miss Elting coldly. + +"Very good. Suit yourselves." + +"I think you had better take us to the boat now before anything further +is done in the matter." + +"No. You had better have it brought here," persisted Dickinson. "Do you +know where Johnson's dock is?" + +The guardian hesitated. She was regarding the man with some suspicion. + +"It's at the foot of the second street beyond, down that way. I'll have +the boat down there in a couple of hours. I've got to get a motor boat, +or something of the sort to tow it down. It probably will leak some, not +having been in the water this season until yesterday. You had better go +over to the hotel and get your dinner. I'll come up and let you know +when the scow is ready. Go right over and make yourself at home. I'll do +the best I can. Bert's an old friend of mine." + +Dickinson hurried away, without further words. The girls looked at each +other and laughed. + +"Well, if Dee Dickinson is a friend of your brother, I must say I don't +admire your brother's friends," declared Harriet. + +"That ith what I thay," agreed Grace Thompson. + +"Tommy, you shouldn't have said that," reproved Hazel Holland. + +"She didn't. Harriet said it," retorted Margery. + +"Buster is right," laughed Jane McCarthy. "Come on, girls! Let's go to +dinner, as the shifty-eyed gentleman advised. I hope it is dinner. I +never could get used to luncheon in the middle of the day when Nature +intended that a girl should have a full meal of the real food. Where is +the old hotel?" + +"I don't know, Jane. There is something strange about this affair. I am +sure that Bert must have known what he was about, or he wouldn't have +sent me the message he did. However, we shall see. There is no need to +borrow trouble. We shall know how to deal with it when we meet it face +to face. Let's go and look for this hotel that our friend, Mr. Dee, has +recommended." + +Getting into the automobile Jane started her car, and they drove through +the town in search of the hotel, which they found after a few inquiries. +The prosperous village of Wantagh was located on the shore of Lake +Winnipesaukee. It was there that Miss Elting's brother had begun to +practice law, but after one year's practice in the little village had +listened to the call of the West. He had left in Wantagh the old scow, +dignified by the name of "houseboat" to which was attached the further +title of "Red Rover." It was in this lumbering craft that Miss Elting +and her young friends, the Meadow-Brook Girls, had planned to spend part +of their summer vacation. Their meeting with Dickinson, in whose care +the boat had been left, was quite discouraging. Dee was not a +prepossessing fellow; what impressed them most unfavorably about him was +his shifty eyes. He seldom permitted himself to meet the gaze of the +person with whom he was talking. + +Some inquiry, after reaching the hotel, developed the fact that Dee +Dickinson was a notary, did a little real estate business, and drew a +few papers for his neighbors, thus managing to eke out a precarious +living. So far as the girls were able to find out, Dickinson's character +was above reproach. Miss Elting chided herself for having formed a wrong +opinion of the man. Still she could not overcome her irritation at his +evident reluctance in getting the boat ready. + +It was quite late in the afternoon when Dee appeared at the hotel, red +of face, his clothes soiled and wet. + +"Well, we got the old thing," was his greeting. + +"Is the boat here?" inquired the guardian coldly. + +"Yes, Miss Elting. It's down at Johnson's dock this very minute. You can +go down there and look at it. I've got some business to--" + +"Please go with us. There will be things about it which we shall wish to +ask you. Does the boat leak much?" + +He shook his head. + +"It's all right," he said. "I can't spare the time to go to-day." + +"If I might venture to offer to pay you for your trouble," suggested the +guardian, not certain whether he would resent her offer of money. +Dickinson, however, was not easily insulted. + +"Of course, if--if you wish, I--yes, of course," he mumbled. + +Miss Elting handed him two dollars. Dickinson led the way down to the +dock, though without enthusiasm. + +"There's the tub," he said, pointing toward what appeared, at first +glance, to be a huge box. "That is it." + +The girls walked out on the dock and stood gazing at the boat. In the +first place, the "Red Rover" was not red at all. It had once had a prime +coat of yellow paint, but this had succumbed to storm and sunshine. The +windows had been boarded up; and the exterior of the craft bore out all +that Dee Dickinson had said of it. + +"Thirty feet on the water line," explained the man, for want of +something better to say. + +The boat, originally, had been a scow used for the purpose of towing the +effects of summer residents of the island across the lake. Bert Elting +had bought it for a small sum of money, and had built the house over it. +He and a friend, had spent many days and nights aboard, anchored out on +the fishing grounds. When they desired to change their location a launch +usually could be found to tow them about. + +At each end of the house there was a cockpit some three feet long. In +other words the house did not extend the full length of the boat. At the +rear there was a long-handed tiller. The boat was flat as a floor. + +"If the inside is as handsome as the outside, we shall have the +nightmare all the time," declared Margery. + +"We had better look at the inside," reflected Miss Elting. + +There were doors at each end. The girls entered by the rear door. + +"Mercy!" exclaimed the guardian. "How warm it is in here. Mr. Dickinson, +is there any glass in those windows?" + +Dickinson shook his head. + +"Then please knock out the boards." + +Harriet already was doing this. She succeeded in ripping off a few +planks, letting in the fresh air and sunlight. What they saw then did +not please them. The floor was covered with rubbish. There was food +scattered about, the walls were greasy. At one side stood an old stove, +red with rust, its pipe dented in, and the ashes heaped high on the +floor where the last occupant had left them. + +Harriet stepped over by the stove to get a different perspective of the +interior of the old craft. She rested one hand on the stove, but +withdrew it quickly. She seemed about to say something, then abruptly +checked her speech. + +"Girls," said Miss Elting, "I don't know whether we shall be able to do +anything with this boat or not. What do you think?" + +"Of course we shall," answered Harriet promptly. "A good scrubbing and a +little fixing up will make a delightful summer home of it." + +"This is my treat, you know," interjected Jane. "That is, you know Miss +Elting was to furnish the boat and I was to do all the rest." + +"Oh, no! We couldn't permit you to do that," answered the guardian. + +"A bargain's a bargain," declared Jane. "I'll get the paint. You folks, +in the meantime, look the place over and see what else you need. I'll go +back to the village for the things you decide on when we get ready for +them." + +"What color shall we paint the boat?" questioned Miss Elting. + +"Red, of course," cried Harriet. "Surely, you wouldn't paint a 'Red +Rover' green, would you?" + +"I think we had better paint the inside of the boat white," advised Miss +Elting. + +"Then white it shall be," declared Jane. "Mr. Dickinson, you come with +me and show me where to get the paint. I'm off, girls. I think we'd +better stay at the hotel to-night. Our palatial yacht won't be ready for +us." + +Jane hurried out, followed by Dickinson. He was eager to get away. While +she was gone the girls consulted with Miss Elting as to what was +necessary to be done to the boat. They were full of enthusiasm despite +the discouraging condition in which they had found the "Red Rover," for +the possibilities of making it a delightful home, were plain to all of +them. + +Jane McCarthy came racing back with her car, three quarters of an hour +later. Two men were in the car with her who wore overalls and small +round caps. + +"Here are the painters who are going to make the outside of the boat +look pretty," cried the girl. "Now, men, get to work and do your best! +If you do a good job you get your money. If you don't, you get a ducking +in the pond! Here, girls, help me unload this stuff." + +There were cans of paint, a mop, two brooms, tin and wooden pails, scrub +brushes, soap and a miscellaneous assortment of useful articles. + +"Now, girls, let's get to work," cried Jane. "This is our busy day. +There'll be another man down here with some windows, soon. We've got to +have some hot water. Harriet, can you heat it?" + +For answer Harriet hurried along the beach, picking up such dry sticks +as she could find. She soon had a fire started in the stove. + +"We must stand by the fire with pails of water. I haven't much +confidence in that stovepipe," she exclaimed laughingly. "However, we +have plenty of water near, in case of need." + +Tommy had gotten a broom and a dustpan and was already raising a cloud +of dust by her efforts at sweeping. + +"For goodness' sake, sprinkle the floor before you sweep," begged +Margery chokingly. Hazel dipped up a pail of water from the lake and +sprinkled it through her fingers over the floor of the boat. All the +others save Harriet had fled, driven out by the choking dust. The +sweeping was now attended with more comfort. Dustpan after dustpan full +of dirt was gathered up and tossed into the lake. Tommy surveyed her +work with a frowning face. + +"It lookth worthe than it did before," she declared. "Thee the greathe +thpotth. What fine houthekeeping." + +"Men are lazy housekeepers," laughed Miss Elting. "I shall have to write +to Bert and tell him what we think of his housekeeping." + +As soon as the water was heated, Jane produced some full length gingham +aprons, which she tossed to her companions. Arrayed in these, the girls +took up scrub brushes and soap and got to work on the inside of the +cabin. Their skirts were pinned up, their sleeves rolled back to the +shoulders and they looked like veritable scrub women. + +"Let's all work on the same side of the boat," called Jane. "I want one +side to get dry so we can begin to paint it." The slap, slap of the +painters' brushes already was heard on the outside. The remaining boards +over the windows had been torn off and carefully laid aside for other +uses. + +Two hours later Jane got the painters to open the cans of white paint +and stir up the contents. The men put in plenty of drier so the paint +would dry quickly and began their work. Tommy could not resist trying to +paint too. Seizing a brush she began laying about her, sending the paint +into her hair, over her clothes and spattering her companions until they +threatened to throw her overboard if she did not desist. Tommy's impish +face already was decorated with polka dots of white paint. + +"I would suggest that Tommy go out and use some red paint," said Harriet +laughingly. "Some red dots would make you look perfectly lovely, dear." + +"Yes and some blue," added Jane. "She'd be red, white and blue then, and +we could hang her over the stern. That would save getting a flag." + +"Girls, what are we going to do with the ceiling!" asked Miss Elting, +regarding it with wrinkled forehead. + +"We might paint in white between the beams, covering the beams +themselves with green," suggested Harriet. + +"That would be pretty," agreed the guardian, tilting her head to one +side and regarding the ceiling reflectively. "Yes, it would be very +artistic. Have we any green paint?" + +"We'll have some," answered Jane promptly. "What shade?" + +"Grath green," suggested Tommy. + +"Olive," suggested Hazel. + +Miss Elting nodded. Olive green paint would look well for the ceiling, +she decided. Already the interior of the houseboat was beginning to +brighten. But they saw that, to do a thoroughly good job, at least two +coats of paint would be necessary. They hoped to get one coat of paint +on before night, putting on the finishing coat on the following morning. + +The slap, slap of the brushes outside had ceased and the men were heard +talking. Jane rushed out brandishing her paint brush. + +"Get to work, you lazy bones!" she shouted. "Am I paying you for holding +conversations about red paint! On with your work!" + +Jane presented such a ferocious appearance that the painters resumed +their work hurriedly. There was no more lagging on their part. Jane +frequently ran out to see what they were doing. The result was that the +"Red Rover" was painted in record time, both outside and in, and a coat +of paint laid on the top of the house. Jane McCarthy had an idea in +regard to this roof. The next morning she put the plan into execution. + +That night the girls were so tired that they gave no thought to their +appearance until they had reached their rooms at the hotel and looked +into their mirrors. Their paint-streaked countenances were a sight to +behold and Tommy carried a part of her facial decorations to bed with +her. + +They were up early on the following morning, and were first in the +dining room at breakfast. + +"I just can't wait until I get to work," declared Jane McCarthy, her +eyes shining. + +"I can wait until I've eaten my breakfast," replied Margery, then +flushed as Tommy giggled meaningly. + +Readers of the first volume of this series, "THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS +UNDER CANVAS" will recall the many exciting adventures that befell the +five girls and their guardian, Miss Elting, while summering at Camp +Wau-Wau, a part of the Camp Girls' organization. The attempts of two +mischief-making camp girls to disgrace Harriet in the eyes of the camp, +Harriet's brave rescue of her enemies during a severe storm and her +generous method of dealing with them aroused the interest and admiration +of the reader. The various ludicrous happenings in which Grace Thompson +and Jane McCarthy figured prominently also added to this absorbing +narrative of outdoor life. + +"THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS ACROSS COUNTRY" relates the adventures of the +girls and their guardian on their homeward march from Camp Wau-Wau. +Their meeting with a number of boys on a hike, who styled themselves the +Tramp Club, and the subsequent wager made with them by the Meadow-Brook +Girls to race them to the town of Meadow-Brook, furnished the theme for +the narrative. While following the fortunes of the road the girls met +with numerous adventures. The reader will recall their encounter with +the tramps, their rescue by Sybarina, the Gipsy, and the night spent in +the Gipsy camp where Harriet, disguised as a Gipsy, told the fortune of +George Baker the leader of the Tramp Club, and at the same time under +the pretense of revealing his past rated him soundly for a trick which +he and his band had played upon the girls. + +Once back in Meadow-Brook the girls had settled down to a busy winter in +high school. Now that summer had come again, accompanied by Miss Elting, +they had planned to spend their vacation on Lake Winnipesaukee, aboard a +houseboat owned by Miss Elting's brother. + +The "Red Rover" in its coat of bright new paint looked really fine that +morning. As the girls neared it the odor of fresh paint was borne to +their nostrils on the breeze that drifted in from the lake. Full of +enthusiasm the girls hurried aboard the boat. There was much to be done, +and all were eager to settle their home and to begin the fascinating +life that was before them, a life that not one of the girls had ever +before enjoyed. The painters came soon after, and began putting on the +second coat of paint. The girls, as soon as they had donned aprons and +gloves, started to put on the second coat in the interior of the boat. +The windows were on hand, ready to be set in place and everyone went to +work with a will. + +So rapidly did the girls and Jane's painters work that, by noon, the +work, both inside and out, had been completed, including a coat of paint +on the floor. The painters were paid off by Jane and dismissed. Jane +stepped out on the pier to survey the work. + +"Girls, we've forgotten something," she cried. "We must have the name on +the side of the boat. The 'Red Rover' you know? I forgot that when the +men were here. Can any of you print?" + +"I think perhaps I might do it," answered Miss Elting. "But we shall +have to wait until the red paint dries. Suppose we sit down and rest for +an hour or so?" + +"Rest!" shouted Crazy Jane. "There's no rest for the Meadow-Brook Girls. +It's work and trouble and trouble and work all day and all night. Girls, +we've got to have a new stove, and we must have a lot of other things, +including some curtains and home comforts. Can you help me load the old +stove into the car?" + +"Not without breaking it, I'm afraid," answered Miss Elting laughingly. + +"Then get the axe. We'll smash the old thing. Hey there, you man," Jane +shouted at a passing farmer. "Want to earn fifty cents? Well, get busy +here, and help us move the stove." + +With the aid of the farmer they took down the old wood stove and loaded +it into the automobile. Next they made a hurried toilet and drove into +the village. Most of the afternoon was spent in making purchases. All +the bedding had been shipped by freight, as had the folding cots, the +cooking utensils and their tent. Harriet proposed that they make the +tent into an awning over the upper deck. She thought it would be a +pleasant place to sit in the evenings. Her companions agreed with her. +This necessitated calling in a carpenter. He was sent out to the boat to +do the work while they were finishing their shopping. + +Among the purchases was an oil stove--Jane had sold the old one--a large +quantity of canned goods, potatoes and other vegetables, all of which +they planned to stow in the front of the houseboat under oilcloth. Here +also was stowed a huge sea chest that had belonged to Jane's +great-grandfather. It was supposed to be water-tight and in this the +Meadow-Brook Girls decided to place all their extra clothing. A rag +carpet was found that answered very well to cut up into rugs to lay on +the floor. The carpenter made a ladder by which to climb to the upper +deck. Then there was rope and an anchor, the latter a piece of an old +mowing machine; a rowboat, which Jane rented, and heavy green shades at +the windows so that they should have greater seclusion; also a cask to +hold drinking water. + +When the girls finished their work that night Crazy Jane McCarthy had +spent quite a sum of money, but the equipment for the "Red Rover" was as +nearly complete as they were able to make it. Just before sunset they +went out to watch Miss Elting paint the name on the side of the boat. In +large, neat letters she painted the name in white. The letters stood out +in bold relief against the brilliant red of the boat. + +"I propose three cheers for the artist," cried Harriet. + +"Wait a minute," called Tommy. + +"Well, what is it?" demanded Margery. + +"The job ith not finithhed yet. Mith Elting hathn't painted the name on +the other thide." + +"That is true, but to do so I should have to stand in the water," +laughed the guardian. + +"If you must paint the other side, of course we can turn the boat +around," said Harriet. "I think a name on one side will answer our +purpose for the present. Later on we can finish the job, if we think +best." + +"Yes," agreed Jane. "We've done enough for the present. Don't forget +that we've got to settle the house in the morning. I want you all to +think hard to-night, to see if we have forgotten anything." + +"The only thing we have forgotten is our dinner. We haven't had a bite +to eat since morning," Margery Brown reminded her friends. + +"Margery can't think of anything but thomething to eat," laughed Tommy. +"You mutht learn to eat atmothphere when you're hungry. That ith the way +I do." + +"I fear you will never grow fat on that sort of diet," laughed the +guardian. + +"I don't want to get fat, like Buthter," replied Tommy scornfully. + +In the meantime Harriet and Jane had drawn away from the others and were +engaged in a whispered conversation. Then the two girls got into the +rowboat dragged the houseboat out into the lake, a few rods, and +anchored it. They did not explain their action. The other girls laughed +at them, and Miss Elting questioned them with her eyes but said nothing. +She knew the two girls had some good reason for anchoring the "Red +Rover" a little distance from the shore. + +Early on the following morning, Jane and Harriet were out, loading the +automobile with the supplies that had been delivered at the hotel the +previous night. The car was piled high with bundles of various shapes +and sizes. There was room for Jane and Harriet in front, but none for +their companions elsewhere. + +"We will go down to the dock with the stuff," explained Harriet, "then +come back in time to take breakfast with you girls. We shan't try to put +the supplies on board. We'll just dump them on the pier." + +"You can put them on the boat if you want to. I don't care," answered +Grace. + +"Tommy is trying to get out of working to-day," scoffed Margery. + +"I'm not," protested the little lisping girl indignantly. "If I were ath +fat ath you, I might. I'll work after breakfatht, but I won't work +before breakfatht." + +"Nobody wants you to," flung back Jane, as she started her car ahead. +"We'll do all the before-breakfast work, and we'll have the real +appetites when we get to the food. You watch us." + +They watched her skid around a sharp corner and heard her car for some +few moments thereafter, but that was all. They were too well used to +Crazy Jane McCarthy, by this time, to be surprised at anything she might +do or say. + +The drive to Johnson's dock was a short one. The two girls made it in a +few moments. As they turned into the street that led down to the river +they opened their eyes a little wider, but neither spoke. Nor was there +a word said until they had driven out on the pier and halted the car. +Then both girls burst out in exclamations of amazement at the same +instant. + +That which they discovered filled the hearts of the Meadow-Brook Girls +with alarm. The "Red Rover" was nowhere in sight. The shore end of the +rope, with which it had been secured to the dock when they anchored it +out in the lake, was still securely tied to the string piece at the +outer side of the dock. + +"What is it, darlin'?" questioned Jane, with eyes wide and wondering. + +"It looks to me very much as though our 'Red Rover' were at the bottom +of the lake, Jane. Oh, what shall we do if she has sunk? Something has +been going on here. Something occurred the first day we were here, to +excite my suspicion. And now this strange thing has happened. There's +the rowboat. Let's go out and look around. Oh, this is too bad, too +bad!" + + + + +CHAPTER II + +CRAZY JANE MAKES A DISCOVERY + + +"Wait!" + +Jane sprang forward, and grasping the rope, lifted it from the water and +began hauling in on it. She uttered a shout of joy. + +"There's no 'Red Rover' on the other end of this rope, Harriet," she +cried. + +"Then it has broken away and sunk," answered Harriet gloomily. "Let's +get into the rowboat and go out yonder." + +"In a minute. I want to see what is at the other end of this rope, +Harriet, dear. There's nothing like beginning at the right end. This is +the right end; after we get the rope in we will move on to the other +end. We may have to dive, but you and I know how to do that, don't we +darlin'?" + +Harriet nodded. The long rope came in dripping, so cold to the touch as +to make Jane's fingers numb. + +"There!" exclaimed Jane, slamming the rope down on the wharf. "There's +the old thing. Didn't I tell you there was no 'Red Rover' on the end of +it." + +"Then we had better take to the rowboat. I don't understand this at +all," said Harriet, in a troubled voice. + +"Just a minute, Harriet. Will you look at this and tell Jane McCarthy +the meaning of it?" She extended the end of the rope toward Harriet. The +latter took it, permitting the dripping rope to lie across the palm of +one hand for a minute. Harriet glanced up at her companion with troubled +eyes. + +"Do you know what has been done to it?" asked Harriet. + +"I think so," nodded Jane. + +"The rope has been cut," reflected Harriet. + +"It has," agreed Jane. + +"But, who could have done such a thing?" Harriet wondered. + +"If I knew, I'd make him suffer for this piece of work," retorted Jane. + +"I don't know; I can't even think," answered Harriet solemnly. "What do +you suppose has become of the boat, Jane?" + +"Goodness knows," replied Jane. + +"I'm going to search the lake." Harriet ran around the end of the pier, +where, shoving off the rowboat, she leaped in. Jane followed her. "I'm +going to the west. The wind is blowing that way." + +Jane McCarthy nodded understandingly. Harriet was rowing, Jane sitting +in the stern of the boat. + +"Watch the shore, Jane. I will do the rowing. I am going to tell you +what I discovered that day we first went aboard the houseboat. I put my +hand on the stove quite by accident that morning. The stove was so hot +that it burned my hand." + +"You don't say?" + +"Yes. Now explain how that stove happened to be hot," continued Harriet. + +"That's easy. Somebody had had a fire in it," nodded Jane. + +"Exactly. And not long before we went aboard. Then there were bread +crumbs on the floor. Jane, some person had been living on that boat. You +remember how anxious Dee Dickinson was that we should not go to the boat +until he had first been there?" + +"Yes, but what has that to do with the cutting of the rope, last night, +and losing the boat?" + +"I don't know. That the two puzzles have some connection I am positive. +What we wish most, just now, is to find the 'Red Rover.'" + +"There's something red on the shore; it looks like a fire!" cried Jane, +pointing excitedly. "Oh, if it should be the boat." + +Harriet ceased rowing and quickly turned her head over her right +shoulder. She gazed, at first half startled, then uttered a cry of +delight. + +"It's the 'Red Rover.' Don't you see? Hurrah! We've found the boat. It's +the sun shining on those red sides that made it look like a fire." + +Harriet swung the prow of the boat and began rowing shoreward with all +her might. After a few minutes of rowing she drove the boat in alongside +of the "Red Rover," then leaped out on the shore. The unknown miscreant +having cut her from her moorings the houseboat had drifted down the +lake. She had stranded among a forest of rushes, the bottom of the boat +being hard and fast on the gravel. + +The girls breathless with excitement, climbed aboard. The after-half of +the house floor was under water. There were fully two feet of water in +the stern. In the after cockpit were several bushels of sand and gravel +that had been thrown up by the wind and waves during the night. + +"Oh, the villains, to do a thing like this!" raged Jane. She started to +run aft for a pail but losing her footing on the slippery floor she went +sprawling and splashing into the water. Jane scrambled up, wet from head +to feet. + +"Oh, me! Oh my! What a mess!" + +Harriet leaned against the side of the cabin screaming with laughter. +Jane looked at her an instant, then, joined in the merriment. + +"You are a sight!" gasped Harriet. + +"Why shouldn't I be? I've been in the water? Are we going to stand here +and laugh all the morning, or are we going to get busy?" + +For answer Harriet Burrell picked up a pail and began bailing out the +cockpit. Jane, dripping, took up another pail and together the girls +worked feverishly. There were several barrels of water in the cockpit, +so their backs were aching by the time they had finished bailing out the +water. The stern of the boat now floated clear, but the forward end was +hard and fast on the ground. + +"The next thing is to get the boat off the gravel," announced Harriet. + +"Maybe we can hitch the rowboat on and drag the 'Red Rover' off," +suggested Jane. + +Harriet shook her head. + +"It won't work. We shall have to drag it off by main force. You can't be +any wetter, and I'm not afraid of a little water. Let's get outside the +boat and see what we can do." + +A few seconds later as they took hold and directed their strength to the +task of moving the heavy boat, Harriet's feet slipped from under her. +She fell over into the water, coming up coughing, the water streaming +from her hair and shoulders, and falling into the lake in a shower. Jane +screamed with delight. "You're wet all right, now! No mistake about +that," jeered Crazy Jane. "And what have we done? Moved the old tub +three quarters of an inch. At this rate we'll have her afloat about +supper time. I wish I had my car hitched to it. I'd drag the old thing +out so fast it would make her dizzy." + +Harriet had grasped the edge of the boat, tugging with all her might. +Jane dashed around to the other side, adding her strength to the task. +The boat gave way with such suddenness that both girls fell into the +lake. But they did not care. They could get no wetter. Therefore they +laughed and joked over their bedraggled condition. The "Red Rover" +floated clear of the rushes. + +"Do the best you can. I'll get the rowboat," cried Harriet, splashing +toward the shore. Her clothes were so heavy with water that they impeded +her movements. She shoved the rowboat out, and, leaping in, rowed it out +into the lake with strong sweeps of the oars. In a few moments she was +alongside. + +"The rope is too short. What shall we do?" called Jane. + +"There is a rope attached to this boat. I think it will be long enough +for towing. Wait, I'll toss it to you. Make it fast. The boat is heavy +and we are going to have a hard pull, but I don't dare leave it here +until we can get help." + +Jane waded over to the rowboat for the rope. She made it fast; then, +getting behind the houseboat, she pushed while Harriet rowed. The "Red +Rover" started but slowly. It was all the two girls could do to get it +in motion. Then when, finally, they had gotten under way with it, Jane +was obliged to wade out in water nearly to her neck to reach the +rowboat. She nearly upset it in getting aboard. Two pairs of oars, +instead of one, were now bent to the work of towing the houseboat. The +boat went broadside to the waves, nearly pulling them overboard. They +saw that it would be impossible to tow it to the Johnson dock in this +fashion. + +"One of us must row and the other steer," declared Harriet. + +"I'll do the rowing. You've had your share," cried Jane. "Wait, I'll +pull you alongside." + +"No. You must keep the oars going, or the big boat will drift back into +shallow water again. I'll get back there all right." Harriet unshipped +her oars and stood up in the boat. She took a clean, curving dive into +the lake. Jane shouted delightedly. + +"What a beauty!" + +Harriet came up, shaking her head to free it from water, then struck out +for the houseboat. Getting aboard, weighted down by her clothes as she +was, was not an easy task. Finally, however, the girl managed to get one +foot over the edge. She clung there for a moment breathing heavily, then +slowly climbed aboard. + +"Hur-r-r-ro-o-o-o!" wailed Jane. "They can't stop a Meadow-Brook Girl +with fire or water." + +"Now pull," shouted Harriet, "I'll change places with you when you get +tired." + +"I'll rest when I get tired," was the very practical reply of Crazy Jane +McCarthy. + +Harriet took the tiller and straightened out the scow's course, though +she discovered that the old boat was a most unmanageable craft. It +simply would not keep on any one course for more than thirty seconds at +a time. Jane was shouting her directions, making sarcastic remarks about +Harriet's steering, but the latter merely smiled. She knew she was doing +the best she could, and that was all any one could do. Jane was making +but slow headway. They had not yet rounded the point that hid the +Johnson dock from view. Her strokes became uneven, and jerky. All at +once the rope broke. Crazy Jane McCarthy landed in the bottom of the +rowboat. + +"Save me," she screamed. + +Harriet, who could not see the small boat, the deck house being in the +way, continued on her course, smiling good-naturedly at Jane's noisy +objections. But all at once a crash and a yell startled Harriet. She +threw the tiller over and leaned far out. The rowboat was +bottom-side-up, with Crazy Jane McCarthy struggling in the water. Her +mouth was too full of water, just at that moment, to allow her to raise +an outcry. The momentum of the houseboat carried it alongside the +overturned rowboat, Harriet leaned over and grasped one of her +companion's arms. + +"Why, Jane! You shouldn't have stopped rowing to go in for a swim." + +"Go in for a swim!" exploded Jane. "And didn't you run me down. Look at +the boat, will you! Now, what are we going to do, will you tell me?" + +"The first thing is to get you on board. After that I don't know." + +Crazy Jane was dragged aboard the "Red Rover." She lay clinging to the +gunwale, laughing immoderately. + +"It's a fine start we are having, darling isn't it, now!" + +"A wet one," amended Harriet. "See! The rowboat is drifting ashore. You +stay on board. I'm going after it. I'm not tired. Keep the houseboat +away from the shore, if you can." + +Harriet sprang into the water, swimming leisurely shoreward. Reaching +the rowboat, she took hold of and clung to it, drifting ashore with it. +The houseboat also was coming in. Jane was shouting to her companion to +hurry. Harriet was doing the best she could under the circumstances, +struggling with all her strength to right the rowboat. By the time she +had succeeded in doing so, the "Red Rover" was fairly on top of her. + +"Steer out!" cried Harriet warningly. + +"I can't steer in or out," flung back Jane. + +Harriet began tugging at the rowboat to get it out of the way of the +oncoming houseboat. The former had grounded in the shallow water. The +houseboat caught the stranded rowboat, turned it over and slowly ground +it under its prow, accompanied by the sound of crushing planks. Harriet +was caught and thrown down, disappearing under the bow of the "Red +Rover." + + + + +CHAPTER III + +SETTING UP HOUSEKEEPING + + +Jane, receiving no answer to her calls, ran up on top of the house. A +quick glance about showed her that Harriet was nowhere in sight. Jane +did not dare to dive, knowing that the water was shallow. She jumped, +feet first, instead, landing in the shallow water with great force. + +"She's under there!" cried the girl, staggering toward the bow of the +houseboat. Putting her shoulders against it she shoved the heavy boat +back a little. Harriet Burrell came to the surface, then made a feeble +attempt to swim. Jane picked her up and carried her ashore; or, rather, +dragged her there, for, impeded by the water, Jane found Harriet too +heavy a burden. + +Harriet was gasping. She had held her breath until she could hold it no +longer. The result was that she had swallowed considerable water. Crazy +Jane was working over her. It was but a few minutes before Harriet +Burrell had wholly recovered from the effects of the recent catastrophe. +She was considerably bruised and was rendered nervous by her trying +experience. + +"Is--is the small boat damaged?" she gasped. + +"Never mind the small boat. There are more boats where that came from," +answered Jane. "You lie down here while I go for another boat. Shall I +get some one to help us?" + +Harriet shook her head. + +"If we are going to be fresh water sailors we must learn to do things +for ourselves." + +"That's what I say," agreed Jane, nodding with great emphasis. "But are +you sure you are all right?" + +"I'm awfully wet, Jane." + +"That's nothing. We'll be wet many a time before we get through with +this cruise." + +"We shall have to get started first," answered Harriet, chuckling. "Run +along for another boat. I'll try to keep the 'Red Rover' off the shore +while you are gone. Hurry!" + +Jane ran toward the landing, still some distance away. There were +several boats tied up there. She helped herself to one and rowed back +with all speed. She espied Harriet out in the lake with the houseboat, +where the latter had succeeded in pushing it and was doing her best to +keep the craft from drifting back to the shore. Jane brought a rope with +her that she had taken from a third boat. This she quickly made fast to +the scow, then began pulling it out into the lake. The wind had died out +and the rowing was found to be much easier, though of course, the "Red +Rover" was as heavy and cumbersome as before. + +"We'll make it," cried Jane encouragingly. + +It was a full half hour later when Harriet steered the houseboat +alongside the pier. The girls made fast, then threw themselves down on +the dock, utterly exhausted from their efforts. + +In the meantime, Miss Elting and the other girls, becoming worried over +the long absence of Crazy Jane and Harriet, had left the hotel, starting +out for Johnson's dock on foot. They found Harriet and Jane making the +boat more secure, preparatory to leaving for the hotel. + +"Why, girls, whatever is the matter? You are wet through! Go up to the +hotel and get into dry clothes at once. You will both catch cold. You +are too late for breakfast, too. What happened to you?" exclaimed Miss +Elting. "You are certainly bedraggled looking specimens." + +Harriet told the guardian of their search for the "Red Rover." Miss +Elting frowned. The message from her brother was still in her pocket. +She recalled the peculiar actions of Dee Dickinson, wondering if +perchance he had anything to do with the casting adrift of their +houseboat, Harriet had not told the guardian of having found a hot stove +on the occasion of their first visit to their summer home. That, +perhaps, might have enlightened the guardian. + +Now that Miss Elting and the other girls were there to unload the +automobile, Jane and Harriet turned to go. + +"We will begin to settle while you girls go to town for breakfast," +called the guardian after them. + +"You will have to wait a while until the rear end of the boat dries +out," returned Harriet. "I don't think it will take long. But, in the +meantime, there are the windows and the walls that need fixing." + +The other girls and the guardian fell to work while Jane and Harriet +were at breakfast, and dainty chintz curtains were draped over each +window. There were green shades hung over the windows also, but these, +during the day, were to be rolled up out of sight. + +Jane and Harriet changed their wet clothing, ate breakfast and returned +early in the forenoon. With them they brought a chart of the big lake +that they had bought of a boat owner. While in the village Jane also had +paid for the damaged rowboat and arranged for another, as it would be +necessary to have a rowboat with them at all times. A new anchor, this +time a real one, was purchased and piled into the automobile. + +The girls worked all that day setting their cabin to rights. It was to +them a delightful task, and late in the afternoon the cabin of the "Red +Rover" was as homelike a place as one could wish. Covers had been made +for the folding cots, so that by day they offered attractive lounging +places. The upper deck had some rough seats, made by the carpenter who +had put up the awning. Then there were boxes for plants, in case the +girls should wish to have flowers. But it was the interior of the cabin +that was the real delight. The white walls and green trimmings gave it a +fresh, cool appearance. One could scarcely have believed this to be the +lumbering, dirty, old fishing scow of a few days since. Bert Elting +never would have recognized the craft in its new dress. + +That night the Meadow-Brook Girls decided to have their first meal on +board. They also decided to clear away and set sail before sitting down +to the meal. Jane drove her car to town, leaving it at a garage, after +which she walked back to the dock. She found the "Red Rover" ready to +sail. The girls were discussing the question of where to go for an +anchorage for the night. + +"Is that all?" called Jane. "Leave it to the boat. She'll find a place +for herself. Say, I'm not going to try to tow that house out of here +with all these boats about." + +There were launches and steamers coming in constantly. The waters in +that vicinity were dotted with rowboats and small skiffs as well. Jane +did not like the idea of dragging out the "Red Rover" through that +gathering of craft. Neither did Harriet Burrell. Jane was looking over +the launches and their occupants as they came up to the dock either to +take on or discharge passengers. All at once she pounced upon two boys, +who had left a third boy on the dock and bade him good-bye. + +"Will you give us a tow?" demanded Jane. + +"Where do you want to go?" answered one of the lads, touching his cap. + +"Which way are you going?" + +"Down the lake." + +"That's the way we are going. Say, which way is down the lake?" she +asked Harriet in a whisper. The latter indicated the direction by a wave +of the hand. + +"We'll give you a rope and tell you when you are to drop us," added +Jane. + +The boys regarded the houseboat rather dubiously. They did not know +whether or not their little launch would be able to tow it. Jane and +Harriet explained to their companions that they were to have a tow. Then +the two girls made fast the line, carrying the latter to the motor boat, +after which they cast off from the pier. + +The Meadow-Brook Girls uttered a cheer, as the "Red Rover" slowly +drifted sideways clear of the dock. The dock was thronged with people, +all of whom were now observing the houseboat. The latter's upper deck +held the girls, with the exception of Jane, who was at the helm to steer +as soon as their craft had been turned about and headed in the right +direction. The houseboat came about slowly; then, as the motor boat +chugged away the line grew taut and the "Red Rover" began to move. + +"You give me steering directions, Harriet," cried Jane. + +"I will wave to you. That will be better than shouting." + +"Whatever you say." + +"Look out!" + +A heavy shock, following Harriet's warning, caused Jane to shove the +tiller hard over. The girls were piled in a heap on the upper deck and +it seemed as though the front part of the houseboat must have been +crushed. + +Loud, threatening voices forward brought Crazy Jane to the upper deck +instantly. Then she saw what had occurred. The "Red Rover" had taken a +sudden dive to the left, colliding with an anchored sailboat. + +"If you don't know how to steer, keep off the lake!" raged the owner, +shaking both fists at the red terror. + +"If you don't know how to keep out of the way, then you ought to get +pushed off the lake," flung back Jane McCarthy defiantly. + +Harriet laid a hand on her arm. + +"Don't argue with them, Jane. It isn't well-bred to do a thing like +that." + +The launch was sputtering away trying to extricate the "Red Rover" from +its position, which, by this time, was broadside against the sailboat. +The "Red Rover" was rising and falling, each time rubbing off some red +paint onto the white sides of the yacht. With each blotch of paint, so +acquired, the anger of the owner of the yacht increased. It was +fortunate for the Meadow-Brook Girls that they succeeded in getting away +promptly. Jane was getting more and more angry, and Harriet had all she +could do to restrain her companion. + +But their troubles were not yet ended. The "Red Rover" plunged through +the fleet, smash-into a sailboat here, nearly sinking a rowboat there, +grazing the side of a steamer, rubbing off some more paint in the +operation, and continuing her voyage of destruction by smashing in the +gunwale of a launch that was unfortunate enough to be anchored within +range of the "Red Rover's" tow line. Jane's steering was anything but +skilful. She steered too much, not giving the boat half a chance to +respond to one turn of the tiller, before she turned it the other way. +But Harriet Burrell offered no suggestions. At least, she remained +silent until after the "Red Rover" had upset a canoe, spilling a young +man and two girls into the lake. It was then that Harriet sprang down +and casting off the rowboat pulled to their rescue. It was well that she +did so, for neither of the girls could swim. + +The motor boat that was towing the "Red Rover" had stopped instantly but +the "Red Rover" was still drifting, managing to collide with two more +small boats before finally coming to a stop. In the meantime, Harriet +had hauled the dripping girls aboard her rowboat, and assisted the young +man to right his canoe. The girls refused to get into it again. + +"Bring the young ladies aboard and let us give them some dry clothes," +called Miss Elting. + +"They wish to be put ashore here," answered Harriet. + +"We are very sorry that we have caused you all this trouble. Our boat +doesn't seem to steer well. I don't know what the trouble is," continued +the guardian. + +The two girls were very courteous about the matter. They assured Miss +Elting and Harriet that they knew the accident had been unavoidable, and +that it had been more their fault than the "Red Rover's." The young man, +however, was inclined to grumble. Harriet put the wet girls ashore, +where they were followed by their companion. The "Red Rover" then moved +on, following a zig-zag course, narrowly missing running into other +boats, until finally one of the lads in the motor boat put his hands to +his lips and shouted: + +"How much farther are you folks going?" + +Harriet consulted with Miss Elting. + +"If you will be good enough to tow us into that cove just ahead, we +shall be very much obliged," answered Harriet. The motor boat was +instantly headed toward the cove. Harriet chuckled. "They are eager to +be rid of us, and I don't blame them at all." + +"They look like nice boys. I think I will invite them to come aboard," +decided the guardian. Harriet nodded her approval. When, finally, the +houseboat had been dragged in, Harriet shouted to the boys to cast off. +It was then that Miss Elting asked them to come aboard. The boy at the +wheel said they would come some other time, that they were obliged to +get back to their camp farther down the lake. They would accept no pay +for their towing and chugged away, waving their hands, leaving a snowy +wake behind them. + +Harriet had already climbed down, and, with a long string, at the end of +which had been tied the piece of broken poker from the old stove, was +taking sounding to get the depth of water. + +"Eight feet. That's deep enough. Jane! Come help me put over the anchor, +please," she called. + +The anchor went over with a splash, after which the rope was tied to a +heavy hard wood cleat that the carpenter had secured to the forward +lower deck. The "Red Rover" drifted to the end of its anchor rope, then +swung to the gentle breeze that was blowing. + +"Thank goodness we aren't at the bottom of the lake," exclaimed Crazy +Jane. + +"It's the other folks who have reason to be thankful," answered Harriet +smilingly. "Now let's get supper. We have a lot to do, and even more to +discuss." + +"Had we not better work in closer to shore?" questioned the guardian, +regarding the wooded cove critically. + +"No, I think not. I have my reasons for wanting to be away from the +shore," answered Harriet. + +It would have perhaps been better had they chosen some other location +for their anchorage, for the night in the cove was to be a trying one +for the Meadow-Brook Girls and another of those mysterious happenings +that had so disturbed them was to overtake them at the very beginning of +the cruise of the "Red Rover." + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +A SUDDEN AWAKENING + + +"There! I knew we had forgotten something." + +"What have we forgotten, Jane?" + +"An ice box, Miss Elting. How are we to keep our food without an ice +box?" + +"But, my dear, what would be the good of an ice box without ice?" + +"That's so. I hadn't thought of that. Where would we get our ice?" + +"That ith eathy," piped Tommy. "Get your ithe out of the lake, of +courthe. I never did thee thuch thtupid people. Did you thuppothe they +got ithe on land? That it grew in the fieldth?" + +"No, darlin'. We didn't suppose anything of the sort. But knowing so +much, please tell us how we are to get ice from the lake in the good old +summer time? Answer me that question, will you now?" + +"That ith tho," reflected Tommy. "Really, I hadn't thought of it that +way. I gueth I wath too previouth." + +"Grace!" rebuked Miss Elting, "I am amazed at your using such +expressions. You really must be more careful of your language." + +"Yeth; I will." + +"Until the next time," muttered Harriet, an amused smile hovering about +the corners of her mouth. Harriet was busily engaged in getting supper. +"Bring me a pail of water, please," she called. "We must put the water +on to heat so that we can wash dishes directly after supper. Dishes +mustn't go unwashed on board the 'Red Rover,' no matter whatever else +may be neglected." + +Jane was setting the table. The dishes that they had purchased were not +expensive. Rather were they strong and serviceable, but even at this, +the table looked very pretty. Miss Elting had gathered a bunch of wild +flowers and these had been placed in a pitcher and stood in the centre +of the table. Of course the chairs were camp stools. In this instance +they were provided with backs, which made them quite comfortable. Soon +beefsteak was broiling over the fire, potatoes were frying in the pan +and the tantalizing fragrance of coffee filled the air. + +"Bring the drinking water, Tommy. And look out that you don't fall with +it. We can't afford to buy dishes every day. Will you be careful?" + +"Yeth; I'll be careful." + +"Hurry back. Supper will be on the table by the time you get below +again." + +Tommy, pitcher in hand, ran up the ladder to the deck above, Harriet and +Miss Elting, in the meantime, putting the food on the table. + +"Tom-m-m-y-y-y!" called Jane after some minutes had elapsed. "The little +girl has gone to sleep up there, I'll wager." + +A scream, followed by a loud splash, startled the passengers on board +the "Red Rover." They rushed for the door. + +"Tommy's fallen overboard!" yelled Harriet. + +Beaching the lower deck they saw one little white hand holding aloft a +pitcher, and lower down, scarcely discernible, a bit of tow hair and a +freckled nose. + +"Thave me!" wailed Tommy. + +"We ought to leave you," flung back Margery. "What's the matter? Can't +you swim?" + +"Yeth. But the pitcher can't." + +Knowing that Tommy could take care of herself in the water, no one went +overboard to her rescue. Harriet flung out a coil of rope. + +"Grab it!" she commanded. Tommy needed no second invitation to do so. +She grasped the rope with one hand, still clinging to the pitcher with +the other and holding it above the water. In this position Harriet drew +her in. The pitcher was rescued before they helped the little girl to +the deck. + +"Ith thupper ready?" demanded Tommy, after getting aboard. + +"Yes, it is and it's getting cold," answered Harriet. + +"Then I gueth I'll thit down and eat." + +"Not until you get off those wet clothes," answered Jane. "How did you +come to fall overboard?" + +"I--I wath trying to walk on the railing," explained the girl lamely. "I +thtubbed my toe and fell in." + +"Oh, help!" moaned Margery. Tommy shot a threatening look at her. + +"I can thwim. Buthter ith too fat to thwim." With that parting shot, +Tommy hastened inside the cabin and proceeded to change her wet clothing +for dry garments. The other girls sat down to their supper, without +waiting for her. + +None of them, ever had eaten a meal under quite such novel conditions. +Through the open door at one end they could see the lake, touched with +the gorgeous red and gold of the setting sun. A pleasant breeze was +drifting through the cabin from door and window, while the slight motion +of the boat rather added to than took from the keen enjoyment of the +hour. + +"I have been wondering what we shall do in case the water gets really +rough?" said Jane. + +"We shall have to put something on the table to keep the dishes from +sliding off," replied Harriet. + +"That would be like an ocean steamer. On the tables there they have +racks, strips running the full length of the table--usually brass--and +others standing on edge at right angles to them. This leaves squares +about the size of a plate and the strips keep the dishes from sliding +off the table. They are called racks by the passengers. Among sailors +they are known as 'fiddles,'" explained the guardian. + +"Yeth, but the thoup will thpill over jutht the thame," observed Tommy +from the cabin. + +"Your soup will not, for I'm going to eat it," jeered Margery. + +Tommy hurried forth, fastening her collar as she walked. She was taking +no chances of losing her supper. + +"Speaking of food," reflected Harriet. "Why can't we take our meats and +other perishable things and put them in a pail which we can weight down +until it sinks? That will keep the food cool." + +"Yes. But what will you do with it when the boat is moving?" asked the +guardian. + +"If I have to row the small boat, and pull the 'Red Rover,' it won't +move fast enough to harm the pail," spoke up Jane. "Do we have to drag +this tub all over the lake?" + +"I am afraid we shall have to do so when we wish to move." + +"Then it's my own self for a tug," declared Crazy Jane. "I shall go out +to-morrow looking for a good stout steam tug. I wonder if there is such +a thing in this neighborhood?" + +"Maybe they have one at the farm houthe up there on the hill," suggested +Tommy. But not a smile did her observation draw from her companions. + +"No, Jane. We aren't going to let you spend any more money for us. We +are out to rough it, and we are going to do so. We must get along by +ourselves," announced Miss Elting. "Of course it was different when +those young men towed us out, and now and then we may accept a tow. The +way to do will be to make short journeys, not to try to take long trips. +Moving by easy stages we should be able to make the complete circuit of +the lake before the vacation is ended." + +"How long is the lake?" questioned Harriet. + +"About thirty miles in a straight line, I believe." + +"Thirty miles," groaned Crazy Jane. + +"Oh, help!" moaned Margery. + +"Thave uth!" lisped Grace. + +"I thought you girls wanted recreation and exercise," laughed the +guardian. + +"Why, of course we do, Miss Elting," declared Harriet. + +"Of course," agreed Jane, nodding. "But dragging a house all around a +thirty-mile lake is neither exercise nor recreation. It's hard labor. If +you don't think so just get out and drag us around this cove +once--_Once!_" + +"I have a plan," announced Harriet. + +"It's a good one, if Harriet Burrell thought it out," returned Miss +Elting smilingly. "What is your plan, Harriet?" + +"Some of you may not like the idea, but it is an excellent one, I am +sure. This is my idea. When we decide to cross the lake, if we do, I +would suggest waiting until some day when the wind is blowing directly +across. Then we can tow the 'Red Rover' out with the rowboat until the +wind catches us. The rower should then get aboard the houseboat, after +which the wind will carry us all the way across the lake. How do you +like it?" + +"Oh, thave me!" piped Tommy. + +"Yes. You need some one to save you about once every five minutes I'm +thinking, Tommy Thompson. Now, if Crazy Jane had thought out such a +plan, no one would have been surprised. But for Harriet Burrell to do +so--oh, my!" exclaimed Jane. + +"I do not think the plan feasible," declared Miss Elting. "I am not +saying that it would not work, but I don't believe I care to trust +myself to drift across the lake in a gale. No, thank you. We will keep +to the shore. Remember, we are on the water, Harriet." + +"Yes. And it isn't so long ago since we were in it," nodded Jane. "Tommy +was the last to be in it. Please pass the potatoes. This life at sea +does sharpen one's appetite. It wouldn't do for me to go to sea really. +I'd get so hungry between meals that I'd gnaw the masts off short." + +"I really can't eat another mouthful!" exclaimed Tommy. "I gueth I'll go +up on deck and walk thome." + +"And I guess you will stay right here and wash the dishes with me," +commanded Margery Brown. "Do you think I am going to wash them alone, +while you promenade on deck? Not I!" + +"I had forgotten about the dithheth. But I've got a plan about that. You +jutht put the dithheth in a bag and thouthe them up and down in the +lake. Then you put them on deck till they dry off. Now, ithn't that a +plan? That ith a better plan than Harriet thaid jutht now." + +"I feel sorry for your house if you ever own one," laughed Harriet, +beginning to clear off the table. + +"Yeth tho do I. But I feel more thorry for the folkth who have to live +with me." + +"I propose that we all take a hand in doing the work," suggested +Harriet. "The evening is so fine that we should enjoy it together. I'll +clear off the table." + +"And I'll brush it," offered Jane. "Then I'll sweep the floor. Say, this +is fine. All one has to do with the rubbish is just to drop it +overboard. The fishes will come and clean it up. It's easy to keep house +on a houseboat. We're going to have a fine time this summer. I feel it +in my bones." + +The supper work was cleared away quickly. Jane filled the hanging lamps, +while Harriet trimmed and filled the lantern that was to be put out as a +night light so that other craft should not run into them during the +night. + +"All hands on deck!" commanded Harriet, after the last of the work had +been finished. + +"That reminds me. We must elect our officers," said Miss Elting, after +the girls had climbed to the pleasant upper deck. "Whom shall we have +for our captain?" + +"I gueth Harriet will make a good captain," suggested Tommy. + +The girls agreed to this. + +"I suggest then, that Jane McCarthy be chief officer--that is, the next +in line to the captain--with Margery as purser, Hazel as third officer, +and Tommy, what would you like to be?" asked Miss Elting. + +"I gueth I'll be the pathenger," decided little Tommy wisely. + +There was a chorus of protests at this. + +"You and I will be the fourth and fifth officers respectively," +announced the guardian. + +"What doeth the fourth offither do?" + +"Not much of anything." + +Tommy nodded approvingly. + +"Then I am that," she announced. "Harriet ith a good captain. Harriet +knowth thomething about everything." + +Harriet shook her head. She protested that she knew nothing at all about +any boat larger than a rowboat. To be the captain of a scow, was +something of a responsibility. She knew that she would have to be +captain in fact as well as in name, and that the navigation and +protection of the craft would be on the shoulders of Jane McCarthy and +herself. + +"There is one thing I do not know, Tommy," answered Harriet. "I don't +know how this captain is ever going to get along with the crew she has. +I fear she will have to ship a new crew. Perhaps you'll be glad of that, +eh, dears?" + +"Tommy would be willing if, as she already has said, she could be the +whole passenger list," chuckled Miss Elting. + +The girls joked and talked until the night had fallen. A few faint rays +of light filtered through the cabin windows and the dim light from the +anchor lantern that hung at the stern of the boat was their only +illumination. + +Harriet got up and walked to the bow of the boat, now pointed outward. +She sniffed the air. + +"Well, what is it, Captain?" inquired Jane. + +"Wind," answered Harriet. "The wind is freshening, and it's blowing +straight into the little cove here. The 'Red Rover' will be straining at +its leashes like an angry dog before morning, unless the wind veers, +which I hardly think will be the case." + +"Hooray for Captain Burrell!" cried Crazy Jane. + +The sky was overcast and the wind, as Harriet had said, was freshening +rapidly. She went to the lower deck to test the anchor rope. The anchor +was holding firmly. The wind was now blowing so strongly that the girls +found little comfort in sitting on the upper deck. All hands went below. +With the front cabin door closed the cabin was a comfortable and cosy +place in which to sit. But the cabin floor was acquiring an unpleasant +habit of rising and falling. Tommy's face, ordinarily pale, had grown +ghastly, but she pluckily kept her discomfort to herself. As a matter of +fact the little girl was suffering from a mild attack of seasickness. + +"I--I gueth I'll go to bed," she stammered. "Will thomebody pleathe take +off my thhoeth? If I bend down I'll thurely fall over on my nothe." + +There was a shout at this. Both Harriet and Jane knelt on the floor to +remove the shoes that Tommy feared to unbutton. They assisted her into +her cot, after which they arranged their own, each girl preparing for +bed behind a curtain that had been strung across the cabin, thus making +part of the kitchen a dressing room. In the daytime the curtain was +drawn back. + +Harriet was the last to retire. She sat up for an hour after the others +had retired, rather anxiously watching the weather and the anchor rope, +together with the behavior of the "Red Rover." The latter was riding the +swells finely and with much less motion than might have been looked for +in the fairly heavy sea that was running into the cove. At last, well +satisfied that the boat would ride out the moderate blow, Harriet +entered the cabin and extinguishing the lamp prepared for bed, leaving +only the solitary anchor light outside to dispel the gloom. + +As the night went on, the seas grew with it. Great swells were sweeping +into the cove, and the "Red Rover" was at times rolling heavily. Once in +the night Harriet got up and staggered out through the rear door, whence +she made her way to the upper deck. From there, with the spray dashing +over her, she gazed off over the water. The moon had come up, and she +could see fairly well; some light being furnished by it, though heavy +clouds intervened. White-capped waves dashed against the boat. It was +unusually rough for a lake of its size. She inhaled deeply the strong, +bracing air, until, discovering that she was getting wet from the spray, +the girl hurried below and crawled into her cot, shivering a little. +Then she fell into a deep sleep, soothed by the rocking of the boat. + +Tommy was moaning in her sleep. The others appeared to be sleeping +soundly. It was late in the night when Harriet was awakened by a +terrific crash. It seemed to her as though something had collided with +the "Red Rover." Then came a second crash, much louder than the first. +The second was followed by a sound of breaking woodwork. A draught of +cold air smote her in the face, then a huge volume of water swept into +the cabin overwhelming and half drowning the occupants. + +Cots were overturned, the oil stove went over with a crash, and the +table was hurled the length of the cabin, landing bottom side up at the +rear end of the cabin. + +A chorus of terrified, choking screams followed the second crash, that, +to their overwrought imaginations, seemed to have lasted for hours. + +"Thave me! We're thinking!" wailed Tommy Thompson. + +"Harriet! What has happened?" cried Miss Elting. + +"I--I don't know." + +The "Red Rover" lurched heavily to one side. The rush of water that +accompanied the lurch tumbled the Meadow-Brook Girls to the lower side +of the cabin. A volume of water rushed over them, and the furnishings of +the cabin were piled on top of them; in some instances a crushing weight +pinioned them to the floor. + +The houseboat had sustained a severe blow, though as yet they could not +determine the nature of it. To make the situation more terrifying the +cabin was in utter darkness. For a moment the voices of the Meadow-Brook +Girls were stilled; then a chorus of screams, more terrified than +before, rose from the lips of the frightened girls. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +LAND HO! + + +"Please--please keep quiet," cried Harriet, making herself heard above +the tumult. "Don't be frightened! We aren't sinking, and we are not +going to. Answer loudly when I call your names, so that I may know each +one of you is here." + +"Now," she continued after the frightened girls had answered to their +names. "We'll try to find out what happened. You see that the boat has +stopped pitching, and the side roll isn't as pronounced as it was." + +"What'th the anthwer?" piped Tommy. + +"I don't know--yet," Harriet confessed. "But I'm going to know." + +"The water is still coming in, and getting deeper," shivered Margery. + +"Get out through the rear door," Harriet commanded. "One at a time." + +"Which door is the rear one?" queried Crazy Jane. "All doors look alike +to me." + +"Move away from the direction that the water is coming from," Harriet +continued. + +Assisted by Jane McCarthy the girls obeyed Harriet's directions. Tommy +and Margery first, then Miss Elting and Hazel. In the cockpit the water +was not as deep, but Jane drove them all to the upper deck. + +"The captain must go last, you know," laughed Harriet, as she climbed up +to join them. + +By this time the girls were shivering with cold. The kimonos of washable +crepe in which they had elected to sleep during the cruise afforded them +little warmth. + +"Get close together and keep each other warm," called Miss Elting. + +"What! Sit down and shiver here all night long?" shouted Harriet. "No, +indeed. We must do something or we shall lose our boat." + +"Wha--at happened?" shivered Margery. + +"The waves smashed the front door in. That's all I know about it now." + +"Oh, look!" screamed Hazel. "It's land!" + +"Land, ho!" cried Crazy Jane. + +"Yes, I know," replied Harriet calmly. "We are on shore. We have been +blown partly ashore. I saw that a moment after we came out here. There +is no danger to us, but there is to the boat." + +"Did the anchor give way?" questioned the guardian, a sigh of relief +escaping her upon learning that the immediate danger was over. + +"I don't know. Jane! I want you. We must go to the front of the boat and +see what can be done to stop the water from coming in. Are you ready?" + +"All ready," called Jane. "Where away?" + +"Below there." + +"I want to go, too. I want to go down there and get thome dry clotheth," +wailed Tommy. + +"You'll look a long time on this boat before you'll find anything dry," +laughed Crazy Jane. "Get up and run. Sprint back and forth along this +slippery deck, and, if you don't fall down and break your precious +necks, you'll start your circulation and get warm. Run for it!" + +"Jane's advice is excellent, girls. Join hands and run back and forth, +while Jane and Harriet see what can be done for us," answered Miss +Elting. + +Jane and Harriet climbed down the aft ladder and made their way into the +cabin. Everything was afloat there. It was with difficulty that they +made their way through and out to the forward deck over which the waves +were still dashing. Both girls were knocked flat almost the instant they +stepped out into the rear cockpit. They were picked up an instant +afterwards, only to be hurled against the deck house by a second wave. +Neither girl screamed; for a moment or two they were too nearly drowned +to speak. The rear end of the boat being driven up on the shore, the +forward end lay several inches lower. The lower deck in that part of the +boat was entirely under water. + +"What are we going to do about it?" gasped Jane finally. + +Harriet was groping about on the deck, her head under water a good part +of the time. + +"I've found it," she cried. + +"Found what?" demanded Miss McCarthy. + +"The cleats." + +"Well, what are they?" + +"Maybe our last hope. Climb up to the top. I'll tell you my plan." + +Jane lost no time in getting up where the rest of the party were dancing +about the deck, trying their best to get warm, and succeeding but +poorly. + +"Harriet, don't you think we had better go ashore?" asked Miss Elting. + +"You will be little better off there. But wait. Yes, the very thing. I +was going to use that awning for something else. It is the only dry +thing on the boat. Come, Jane; we'll do the best we can under the +circumstances." + +Together the two girls got down the awning, which had once served them +as a tent. Assisted by Miss Elting they lugged it ashore and placing it +back far enough to be out of reach of the water, smoothed it out on the +ground. This would at least furnish them with a place to sleep. By this +time Tommy, Hazel and Margery had made their way ashore. + +"How I wish we had some matches now! I'd build a fire. Jane, do you +think that box of matches could have kept dry through all this?" +questioned Harriet. + +"It wouldn't do you any good if it had. How are you going to find it if +it is there?" + +"That's so. Now, I think we had better take all the things out of the +cabin. Most of the stuff may be gone by morning. Miss Elting, will you +stay with the girls?" asked Harriet. "Then they won't feel afraid. +Besides we shall only be in each other's way if more than two of us try +to work in that cabin in the dark. The first thing to be done is to try +to stop the water from beating in through that wrecked doorway. I have +an idea. Jane, see if you can find some rope. There should be some on +the upper deck." + +Jane McCarthy reported that there was no rope there. Harriet decided to +go on without it, believing that she knew a way to check the flood. +Calling Jane to assist her, the two girls carried the dining table out +to the upper deck. This they left there for the moment. + +"Now hand out the cots," directed Harriet. + +As this was being done, Harriet worked standing in water most of the +time. She placed the cots on edge across the doorway until three of them +had been set in place. Directing Jane to try to hold them in place, +Harriet grasped the table. This she braced against the cots. The table +held them in place. + +"Hurrah! We've done it. See if you can find some blankets in there. One +will do." + +After some searching about Jane announced that she had found a heavy +blanket. Acting under Harriet's directions Jane carried the blanket to +the upper deck and lowered it over the barricade of cots, weighting it +with heavy stones from the beach so that the end would remain on the +upper deck. + +Harriet was unable to get either to the upper deck or into the boat, +without danger of pulling down her barricade, so she promptly jumped +into the lake and waded ashore. She fell down several times before +reaching dry land, knocked over by waves that overtook her and laid her +low. She sat down on the beach gasping. + +"Come over here and rest a moment, Harriet," urged the guardian. + +"I am all right, thank you. I haven't time to think about resting. I am +going to try to get our belongings out of the boat. We aren't so badly +off as we might be." + +"If I had thome dry clotheth on I gueth I'd be all right," observed a +lisping voice from the darkness. "My kimono is thoaking wet." + +"Now, Jane, I'm ready," finally announced Harriet. "Let's get that stove +out first of all. I fear it is ruined." + +"Set the girls at it with dry leaves. They can wipe it dry and the +exercise will do them good," suggested Jane McCarthy. + +"Fine! Come!" + +The stove was carried out to the beach and stood up. Jane and Harriet +gathered leaves from weeds and bushes, together with such dry grass as +they were able to find in the darkness, heaping their plunder on the +canvas and directing the girls to polish the stove, hoping thereby to +keep it from rusting very badly. The occupation did Tommy, Hazel and +Margery good. They almost forgot their troubles for the time being. + +The bedding and the clothing were next carried out and spread on the +ground to dry. This, too, gave the girls on shore something to do. They +wrung the water out of the bedding and clothing as thoroughly as +possible. The clothing was then hung on nearby bushes. + +"I do not believe your clothing will be dry enough to wear until after +the sun shines on it," decided Miss Elting. + +The girls groaned dismally. They did not relish the idea of going about +in kimonos for the better part of the next forenoon. Harriet and Jane +paid little attention to their own discomfort, however, for there were +still many things to be done. The cabin had held quite a stock of +supplies. Cans of provisions lay all about the floor. The two girls were +unable to gather up their supplies in the darkness. The water would not +damage the canned goods, so they decided to let these remain where they +were for the time being. + +"I'll tell you what!" said Harriet, after pondering over the best course +to follow. "Let's take pails and go to bailing. Of course some water +will still leak in around the bottom cot, but we can bail out down to +that point. The water must come out. We might as well bail now as after +daylight. We won't get any wetter, and we don't mind lame backs, do we?" + +"We don't, if you say not," agreed Jane. "What the captain of the 'Red +Rover' orders, is to be done. Where are the pails?" + +"I think I remember having carried one outside." + +"Here's the other," called Crazy Jane, who, at that moment, fell over +the missing pail and went sprawling in the water. She rose to her feet, +dripping, but in great good humor. + +The two plucky girls set to work bailing. They did not wish to call in +their companions to help them, as they believed they could accomplish +more by themselves. Bailing out the boat was back-breaking work, and +there was so much water in the hold of the "Red Rover," that at first +their bailing seemed to have no effect whatever. Now and then they would +go ashore and throw themselves down for a brief rest. Miss Elting begged +them to do no more, but both Jane and Harriet were deaf to her +entreaties. They alternately bailed and rested until early in the +morning, when utterly exhausted from the strain of the past few hours' +work they were glad to throw themselves down on the canvas beside their +friends for a little rest. + +By this time the dawn had begun to break and soon after the sun shone +brightly. The wind had died down and the lake lay smooth and glassy in +the morning sunlight. + +"I'm going to try to get into that big chest that holds our clothes," +announced Harriet. "If it really is water tight, then we shall not have +to worry long about dry garments." + +"I'll go with you," said Miss Elting. + +The two women made their way to the cabin of the houseboat, where they +were soon joined by Jane. By their united efforts the barricade was +removed from the door, and as the water had almost subsided Harriet had +little difficulty in getting at the chest. + +"Hurrah!" she exclaimed as she turned the key which had been allowed to +stand in the lock, and lifted the lid. "Everything is all right. These +things are scarcely damp! Jane will you call the girls? We ought to +dress as quickly as possible." + +Fifteen minutes later the Meadow-Brook Girls and Miss Elting were +enjoying the luxury of clean, dry clothing. Their hasty toilets were +scarcely completed, however, when they heard the steady chug! chug of an +approaching motor boat. Harriet climbed to the upper deck and shading +her hands with her eyes looked out over the waters. Suddenly she +exclaimed: "Girls, girls! Look at that boat!" + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +CAPTAIN GEORGE MAKES A FIND + + +"Well, well, if it isn't the Meadow-Brook Girls." + +"It's Captain George Baker," cried Harriet, really overjoyed to meet +their old friend whom, last season, they had beaten in a cross country +contest of endurance and cleverness. + +The girls left the boat and ran down to the shore to welcome the +newcomers. The boys were calling their welcome before they had fairly +landed. With Captain Baker were his friends Dill Dodd and Sam Crocker, +and two other lads, whom Captain Baker introduced as Larry Goheen and +Billy Gordon. + +"Where are the rest of the tramps?" asked Miss Elting laughingly, +hurrying down to the beach to greet the boys. + +"In camp about two miles below here." + +"I believe we have met Mr. Gordon and Mr. Goheen before," said the +guardian. "They were good enough to give us a tow." + +"Yes," answered George. "They told us about that. Somehow, I half +suspected it to be you folks. After the storm of last night I wondered +how the houseboat with its crew of girls had fared, so we set out to +look for you this morning. We found you. Well, you are in a mess, aren't +you?" + +"Harriet and Jane were bailing water out of the boat nearly all night, +Captain Baker," Miss Elting informed him. + +"You certainly must have had a bad night," returned George Baker +sympathetically. + +The guardian related briefly the experience of the night. + +"Once more I take off my hat to you," said Captain Baker admiringly. +"And I take off my coat too. Fellows, all off with your coats! There's +work to be done here. How is your boat?" + +At this juncture Billy Gordon, who had been looking about the deck of +the houseboat, stepped ashore. + +"I don't think the hull is damaged at all. One door is smashed in and +things are pretty well soaked up. If you will permit it, we fellows will +clean up. There's a ton or more of sand and gravel in the after cockpit. +Have you a shovel?" + +The girls shook their heads. + +"We have a dutht pan," Tommy answered. + +"We will use that and a pail, if you have one." + +The lads started for the boat, having discarded their coats. + +"Oh, by the way, have you any matches?" asked Harriet. "We need some +coffee this morning, but we have nothing with which to build a fire." + +"Sam, you make a fire." + +"The oil stove may work," suggested Miss Elting. They tried it, but +there was still too much water in the tanks, so Sam built a fire on +shore, and shortly after Harriet and Jane were busily engaged in getting +breakfast, while the boys worked steadily in the houseboat. Finding +nails, saw and hammer, they patched up the broken door and hung it back +in place. Then they removed all the supplies that had been left aboard +and began cleaning up. They bailed the remaining water out, also +shoveling out the gravel and the sand, after which they scrubbed the +floor and the walls to a height of about three feet from the floor, +where the water had left a dark line on the white woodwork. + +An hour after the visiting boys had begun their work the cabin was ready +for occupancy again, but the quilts, sheets and blankets were still wet. +A larger fire was built. The boys rigged a clothes line about the +campfire and assisted the girls to hang up the wet bedding. By this time +the lads were hungry. They readily accepted the invitation of the +Meadow-Brook Girls to sit down with them to breakfast. The table and +chairs had been brought ashore, and there in the cove, with the trees +and bushes for a background, the Meadow-Brook Girls and the Tramp Club +sat down to breakfast. There was plenty of good cheer, though the faces +of the girls were pale, and Harriet and Jane looked particularly tired. + +"I'll tell you what you must do," declared Captain George during +breakfast. "When you wish to shift your position, let us know, and we'll +tow you about. Did your rope break?" + +Harriet confessed that she had not looked. The captain said he would +look into the matter after breakfast. The first thing to be done, after +getting the equipment back on board, would be to tow the "Red Rover" off +the shore. To do this they arranged to pass a rope to the launch, the +launch to pull ahead while some of the boys pushed on the houseboat. + +In the meantime, while waiting for the equipment to dry out, George and +his friend, Billy Gordon, who owned the launch, took Harriet and Jane to +town, where Jane wished to go to renew some of their supplies, as well +as to purchase a couple of flatirons with which to press their wet +clothing that had hung in the cabin when the deluge came. + +During the trip George had drawn out the story of their previous +disaster when they had drifted ashore, though Harriet refrained from +mentioning the fact that their anchor rope had been cut on that +occasion. From George's questions it was plain that he suspected +something was wrong, though Harriet failed to gratify his suspicions by +direct answers to direct questions. + +George explained, during the trip to the town, that the Tramp Club had +been invited by Billy Gordon, who owned the launch, to spend a few weeks +with him on the lake. He was to furnish the launch for their cruises, +while the boys supplied the camp equipment. Billy knew the lake and they +knew how to camp, and now that they had renewed acquaintance with their +old rivals, the Meadow-Brook Girls, the Tramp Club were glad they had +accepted Gordon's invitation. + +The trip to town was quickly made, and the two girls completed their +purchases with little loss of time, and were back on board the launch +within an hour from the time they had started. + +"Now," said George, after they had started on their return voyage, "is +there any place you wish to go?" + +"I want as soon as possible to get back to the boat and discuss with the +girls what is to be done," answered Harriet. + +"Well, can we help you? Is there anywhere you wish us to tow your +houseboat?" + +"Let me see," pondered Captain Burrell, "I think I should like to get +out of that cove. We haven't made any plans." + +"Then suppose we tow you over in front of our camp? We'll be handy, +then, in case you need us again." + +Harriet shook her head. + +"I don't think that would be best. You see, we wish to go it alone. We +don't wish to have to depend upon any one." + +"You don't have to do so. You are able to take care of yourselves. I'd +back the Meadow-Brook Girls against the world," declared George, +confidently, which aroused a laugh from the other occupants of the boat. +"We helped you this morning, did we not?" + +"Indeed, you did." + +"But they would have gotten out of the scrape without us," nodded Billy. + +"Surely we would," chuckled Crazy Jane. "We always do get out of our +scrapes, somehow. But we thank you just the same." + +"Indeed, we do," agreed Harriet earnestly. "I was about to say, when you +asked me if there were any place we wished to go, that we do wish to go +over to the other side of the lake some day soon, and--" + +"Any time," interrupted Billy. "I'll take you over to-day, if you say +the word." + +Harriet shook her head. + +"Boys, we've got business on hand to-day," said Jane briskly. "There is +plenty to be done. It will take us two days to get well settled again. +You will look us up occasionally, I am sure. We can then let you know +where and when we wish to go, can't we?" + +"Surely you can," agreed George enthusiastically. "But I'm sorry you +won't come to anchor near our camp." + +Harriet told him they should be moving frequently; that they hoped to be +able to make a complete circuit of the lake before they had finished +their vacation. George said that the boys, too, were going to move their +camp now and then. He told the girls the Tramp Club had planned to spend +a week on one of the islands in the lake, and that they would so arrange +the time as to do so when the Meadow-Brook party was in that vicinity. + +By the time they had reached the cove where the "Red Rover" lay the boys +who had remained behind had gotten nearly all the belongings aboard. +Miss Elting and the girls were helping them, Tommy taking it upon +herself to "boss" the whole job. + +As soon as the motor boat party had landed, Harriet said she must look +for the anchor rope, which had not been seen that morning. + +"I'll do that," offered Larry Goheen. "You ought to make it secure, so +that the boat can't get away," he added. + +"I thought I secured it last night. I made a stout loop and slipped it +over the cleat on the deck. I don't see how the boat could have gotten +away unless the rope broke, which it undoubtedly did." + +George said he would see about that. The rowboat had drifted ashore +unharmed. Captain George launched the boat and rowed out, paddling about +until finally they saw him stop and raise the end of a rope from the +water. + +"Bring the launch out here, Bill," he called. "Yes, I've found it, and +I've found something else too. There's been some crooked work here!" + +"What do you mean?" called Harriet. + +"I'll tell you when I come in. I've made a find, all right!" + +The captain had indeed made a find--one that more than confirmed the +suspicions he had formed earlier in the morning. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +A MYSTERIOUS NIGHT JOURNEY + + +Billy Gordon got aboard the launch and paddled it out to where Captain +Baker sat examining the rope, the end of which he had picked up from the +water. + +"What have you found? More mystery?" shouted Crazy Jane. + +"Yes. I'll tell you when I get ashore. What kind of an anchor have you +down here?" + +"Just an anchor, that's all," answered Harriet. "Why?" + +"Nothing. I was just wondering." + +George climbed over into the launch, tying the rowboat behind it. Then +the two lads hauled the anchor aboard the power boat. After examining +the anchor, they paddled the launch ashore, towing the smaller boat +behind them. + +"We have the old anchor. It's a good one too," announced Billy, stepping +ashore. "I take back all I said. George has some questions to ask you." + +"Yes," nodded young Baker. "Was the anchor rope in good condition when +you put out the anchor, Miss Burrell?" + +"So far as I know. Did it break?" + +"It broke, all right. Will you show me where you made it fast last +night?" + +Harriet led the way to the forward deck of the "Red Rover," pointing to +a hard wood cleat. + +"I made a loop in the rope and slipped it over the cleat, drawing it +tight. I do not see how it would be possible for the loop to slip off, +nor, in fact, for the rope to break." + +"Hm-m-m-m!" pondered George, feeling the cleat with critical fingers. +"Smooth. No chance for it to have worn through. There is something to be +explained in this affair, Miss Burrell." + +Harriet gazed searchingly at him, but said nothing. + +"I wish you would have a look at the rope. It's there on the shore. +Then, after you have examined it, tell me what you think about the +matter, but tell me just whatever you wish to. I'm not going to question +you about something you don't wish me to know." + +"What do you mean, Captain?" + +"Have you any enemies up here?" + +"I do not know of any. I have a rival here, though." + +"Eh? Who?" + +"You," answered Harriet, with a smile. + +"Oh!" Captain Baker flushed, then he laughed heartily. "That was last +summer. You beat us fairly. Of course we wanted to win the race home, +and so did you, but you won it fairly and squarely, and that's all there +was about it. We got you into trouble by stealing the melons and giving +them to you, but honestly, we didn't mean to have the farmer hold you +responsible." + +"We owe you something for telling George's fortune," laughed Sam. + +"Then pay your debts," retorted Harriet. + +"Don't you do anything of the sort, boys," warned Jane. "You know what +will happen to you, if you do." + +"What will happen?" demanded Baker, turning to Crazy Jane. + +"Oh, that would be telling. We should be even with you before we had +finished, you know. Girls are always more resourceful than boys." + +"I don't agree with you," retorted George Baker. + +"Do you wish us to prove it to you?" asked Harriet laughingly. + +"I'll give you a chance to fail," returned George. "As long as we're +going to spend our vacations on this lake we'll give you girls a chance +to prove your superiority as strategists. I'll wager you a No. 2 Brownie +Camera, to be the joint property of whichever side wins it, that the +Tramp Club can completely outwit the Meadow-Brook Girls three times +inside of three weeks. What do you say?" + +"Shall we accept the challenge, Miss Elting?" asked Harriet. "What do +you say, girls?" + +"Done!" chorused the girls and their guardian. + +"Very well," smiled Harriet. "The contest begins now, and of course all +unfair tricks are to be barred out by both sides." + +"Of course," agreed George. "But come along and have a look at the +rope." + +Harriet stepped briskly ashore, followed by Jane and the two boys. She +went directly to where the rope and the anchor lay. Picking up the +former she ran it through her hands until she came to the loop that had +been drawn about the cleat on the deck when the boat had been anchored +on the previous afternoon. The Meadow-Brook Girl held the loop on the +palm of her left hand, gazing at the rope reflectively. She frowned +slightly as she looked at it. + +"Well, what do you find?" questioned the captain briskly. + +Harriet glanced up at him quickly. + +"I understand," she said. + +"What is it, Harriet, dear?" asked Miss Elting. + +"Oh, what a mess!" muttered Jane, who had been looking over Harriet's +shoulder. "Here's more trouble for the Meadow-Brook Girls, and trouble +for somebody besides them, too." + +"You can see for yourself," replied Harriet, handing the end of the rope +to the guardian. + +"The loop has been cut!" exclaimed Miss Elting. + +Harriet nodded. + +"It has, indeed," agreed Jane. + +Miss Elting and Harriet Burrell exchanged significant glances. George +Baker observed the looks. He nodded to Billy. Larry Goheen winked +wisely. + +"There is something behind this business then, Miss Elting?" asked the +captain. + +"I don't mind admitting that there is, Mr. Baker," answered the +guardian. "What do you say, girls, shall we tell the boys?" she +inquired, turning to her wards. + +"If you think best," agreed Harriet. + +"Surely. Tell them. Maybe they'll be able to catch the rascal," urged +Jane McCarthy. + +"This is not the first time we have been troubled by some person who +wishes to annoy us," Miss Elting informed the Tramp Club. "Before we +began to live on the boat, and while we were getting it ready for +occupancy, some person did the same thing. That is, he cut the rope and +cast the boat adrift. It was anchored at Johnson's dock. Perhaps you do +not know where that is." + +"I know," spoke up Billy. "It's about two miles above here. That's where +we landed to-day, George." + +Captain Baker nodded. + +"How do you know they cast the 'Red Rover' adrift?" he asked. + +"The rope had been cut," replied Harriet Burrell. "It was just as Miss +Elting has told you. The anchor rope had been cut cleanly with a sharp +knife. This time the loop, instead of the rope, has been cut." + +"I thought you said you had no enemies," observed Sam Crocker. + +"Nor have we, as far as we know," answered the guardian. + +"I don't know what you would call the person who did this, then. This is +all the more reason why you should anchor near our camp." + +"Oh, no. We are perfectly able to take care of ourselves," smiled Miss +Elting. "Experiences such as these aid in making us self-reliant." + +"Have you a revolver on board?" questioned Gordon. + +"Miss Elting has a revolver," answered Jane. + +"We hope never to be forced to use it, however. The trouble is that our +friend doesn't show himself. But just wait. One of these fine nights +we'll catch him, then he'll take a bath in the lake." + +"You have no idea who he is?" + +"I can't say that we have," replied the guardian slowly. + +"Do you know Mr. Dickinson?" asked Harriet, looking sharply at Gordon. + +"Dee? Yes." + +"What sort of person is he?" + +"Oh, Dee's all right. He doesn't amount to a whole lot, but he is a good +fellow. Why?" He shot a suspicious glance at Harriet. + +"Nothing, except that he was looking after the boat for Miss Elting's +brother before we came down here." + +George put an end to the conversation by announcing that it was time +they got the "Red Rover" out. The motor boat was paddled out into deeper +water, then the houseboat was fastened to the motor boat and the power +started, while all the boys save two pulled and hauled on the heavy +houseboat. It floated slowly out into deeper water, while the girls +cheered the efforts of the Tramp Club. + +The anchor, in the meantime, had been put on board and a new loop made +at the end of the rope. The girls now climbed into the rowboat and were +rowed out to the "Red Rover," after which the motor boat began towing +the "Red Rover" into the lake, with Captain George Baker at the helm. He +had remained aboard to give further assistance, if needed. + +"This is the worst old tub to steer that ever I took hold of," he +declared. + +"We found it so," agreed Harriet. "You will get the knack of it soon. +When you do, you will find steering it rather easy." + +They reached a cove farther up the lake, shortly after noon. Here the +Meadow-Brook Girls decided to anchor, as there was a farmhouse on a +bluff a little way inland, where they thought they would be able to get +milk, eggs and vegetables. George decided that he would call in the +motor boat and return to camp, promising to come over and see them later +to get their orders for the following day. + +Miss Elting and her girls expressed their appreciation of the kindness +of Captain Baker and his friends. + +"We haven't done anything worth while yet," retorted Captain Baker. +"Perhaps we may give you a real opportunity to thank us, later on. On +the other hand, you may not wish to thank us," he added, with a +mischievous twinkle in his eyes. + +"Now, I wonder what the boy meant by that?" thought Crazy Jane, +regarding George shrewdly through half-closed eyes. + +Captain Baker went over the side, boarding the motor boat after he had +cast anchor for the girls and made everything snug. Then, with many +good-byes on both sides, the power boat chugged away toward the Tramp +Club camp, the Meadow-Brook Girls turning to the duties of the day. + +The first task was to get their clothing in condition. There was now no +one to interfere with them. Flatirons were put on the oil stove, which +was once more in working order, and the work of pressing out their +wrinkled clothing was begun. Harriet and Jane handled the irons. Miss +Elting took down the curtains, which also were sadly in need of ironing, +while Margery and Hazel prepared the noon meal. Tommy perched herself on +the rail of the upper deck, and caroled forth a lisping ditty. + +After dinner, Harriet and Jane rowed ashore and purchased supplies from +the farmhouse that they had observed on their way to the present +anchorage. The day passed all too quickly. Twilight was upon them almost +before they realized it. Supper was late that night, and ere they had +finished the dishes the motor boat drew up to them and the Tramp Club +swarmed over the side of the houseboat with merry greetings. + +"It is almost like being boarded by pirates," laughed Harriet. "In this +case the pirates are welcome." + +The boys had brought with them a bag of early apples, which Captain +Baker gravely assured them had been duly bought and paid for. The boys +also had brought their harmonicas, and later in the evening there was a +harmonica concert on the upper deck of the "Red Rover." Later on the +girls served their guests with cake and coffee. Larry Goheen, who, like +Jane McCarthy, was gifted with true Irish wit, was the life of the +party. He and Crazy Jane bandied words and said witty things to each +other to the delight of the rest of the company. + +The boys took their leave at ten o'clock. First, they left a lantern for +the houseboat, which George Baker lighted and set in place at the stern. +The anchor light of the houseboat had been lost in the storm of the +previous night, or else it had been stolen, which latter they doubted. +The girls were quite ready to retire, and lost no time in turning in +after the departure of their guests. Then quiet settled down upon the +"Red Rover." A gentle swell on the water lulled the girls into deep, +peaceful slumber, until after sunrise next morning. + +Tommy, for a wonder, was the first to get out of bed in the morning. +Half-asleep she staggered, blinking, to the after deck, and then leaned +over to wash the last of the sleep out of her eyes. There followed a +sudden, sharp splash, and a moment later the blonde head of Tommy +Thompson appeared from out of the lake. Tommy had fallen in again. This +time she did not scream. She climbed aboard the boat, grumbling to +herself, and proceeded to dress without further delay. + +"For goodness' sake, Tommy, what is the matter?" demanded Harriet, +sitting up in bed, rubbing her blinking eyes. "Did you fall into the +lake again?" + +"I gueth I had a bath thith morning," answered Tommy. + +"An impromptu plunge, I should call it," answered Harriet smiling. Then +she glanced sharply out through the rear door of the cabin. Her eyes +narrowed as she gazed. She rose from her cot and walked to the door, +looking over the water towards the opposite shore, her forehead +wrinkling into a perplexed frown. "Girls! Get up! Come out and view the +scenery. I promise you it is well worth seeing this morning. Oh, Miss +Elting, do you know where you are?" + +"Why--why, what does it mean?" gasped the girls who had hurriedly +tumbled out following Harriet's summons. + +The guardian could scarcely believe her eyes. They were not in the cove +where the boat had been anchored the day before. The scenery on the +shore near them was strange and new. + +"What does it mean, Harriet?" demanded the guardian. + +"I think a fairy must have touched the world with her wand and changed +it into something else during the night," replied Harriet. "But don't +you know where you are, Miss Elting?" + +"I do not. Do you?" + +"I think I do." + +"I know," piped Tommy. "We are on the water. I wath in it earlier thith +morning." + +No one gave any heed to Tommy's pleasantry. They were too amazed and +perplexed to give thought to anything but the strangeness of their +surroundings. + +"Then I will tell you," said Harriet, "We are on the other side of the +lake. Do you see that white house on the bluff across the lake? Well, +that is the farmhouse where we got our milk yesterday." + +"But--but----" gasped Miss Elting. + +"We are now where we wanted to be, across the lake near the beautiful +islands and the pretty wooded shores." + +"But how did we get here?" finished Miss Elting. + +"I don't know. I know only that we're here. Somehow we must have made a +mysterious journey across the lake during the night, or else the fairy +that I spoke of has turned the lake around in the night and left us +standing exactly as we were. But I can't think on an empty stomach. +Let's dress and get breakfast; then we will consider what has happened +to us. We are anchored all right, so there is no occasion for worry. The +weather is fine too. Our unknown enemy did us a good turn, this time, if +he only knew it. Come along, girls." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE ISLAND OF DELIGHT + + +"It is the most mysterious thing I ever encountered," declared Miss +Elting at breakfast, after she had stepped to the window again to gaze +off over the lake to the cove--in the distance--where the "Red Rover" +had lain when they retired the night before. + +None of the girls except Harriet and Jane had much appetite for +breakfast. They were too excited over the mysterious changing of their +position. + +"What I cannot understand," continued the guardian, "is how we, who +pride ourselves on being woodsmen, trailers and scouts and all the other +things, could possibly be carried across a lake, dragged over several +miles of water and not know anything about it. Can you explain why we +didn't wake up, Harriet Burrell?" + +Harriet shook her head. + +"And we are anchored just the same as we were last night," remarked +Jane. "It's spirits, girls. No mistake about that." + +"Now, Jane," laughed Harriet. "You know very well that the mere fact +that our anchor was pulled up before we left the other side of the lake, +then let down on this side, makes your spirit theory impossible." + +"It _wath_ thpookth," declared Tommy. "I thaw one thtanding on the +handle of the mop pail latht night after I went to bed. I heard the +water thplathh when he jumped in the pail." + +"What a marvelous imagination you have," jeered Jane. + +"All this talk doesn't help us to solve the mystery," averred Hazel. +"How did we get here?" + +"We do not know, but we are going to find out," replied Harriet. + +"How?" + +"I can't tell you. Something will turn up to give us a clue to this and +the other mysteries. I have my suspicions of the Tramp Club in this +matter. I am very glad that the rope was not cut, this time, or thrown +overboard after being removed from the boat. If the boys are responsible +for this, rest assured they'll be the first to tell us. You know the +island that we admired so much from a distance, Miss Elting? + +"We are within a mile of it now. After breakfast, with your permission +I'll row over," continued Harriet. "I want to see that island at close +range. Jane, will you come with me?" Jane was prompt to accept Harriet's +invitation. Miss Elting also was invited, but concluded to remain with +the other girls on the houseboat. + +Harriet and her companion rowed rapidly to the island shortly after +breakfast. It was a good sized island, as they discovered by rowing down +one side of it, the side nearest to the shore of the mainland near which +the houseboat was anchored. The girls rowed in so close that they were +able to reach up and touch the foliage overhead and in places it trailed +in the water. The island was rocky, still it was heavily wooded. One +side of it was popular with picnic parties, but on the side where the +girls were few boats ever landed. As they were rowing slowly along the +edge, Harriet's eyes were constantly searching the shore. + +"This is about what I thought we should find, Jane." + +"What are you looking for, dear?" + +"I am trying to find a place where we can run the 'Red Rover' in under +the trees, and where the boat cannot be seen from the lake on either +side of the island." + +"You will have to change its color then. Why, in the sunlight you could +see that tub fifty miles away." + +Harriet did not answer. She had rested on the oars, and was peering over +her right shoulder towards the thicket at the shore of the island. + +"No, my dear, not where I am going to put the boat provided there is +room for it. Do you see that current swirling right into the island +there? I saw that from the deck of the 'Red Rover,' this morning, when +looking through the glasses. At least I thought it was a current. The +water everywhere else was very still, but a slight discoloration there, +as you see it, led me to believe there was a creek running into the +island." + +"You have sharp eyes, Harriet. But where's your creek? I don't see it," +laughed Jane. + +"Neither do I. There may be no creek there, but if there is, it's going +to be a splendid place to hide." + +"Hide?" wondered Jane. + +"Yes." + +"But why should we hide, darlin'?" + +"In that way we may be able to get some clue to our unknown enemy," +nodded Harriet. "If the boys did tow us over here, of course they'll +wonder what became of us." + +"Do you think our enemy will try to find us?" asked Jane. + +"Yes." + +"I don't. We'll be wasting our time. The boys won't look for us, here, +either." + +"Well, here is the creek, at any rate," exclaimed Harriet, swinging the +bow of the boat in as she spoke. "And oh, Jane! Look!" + +A smooth sheet of dark water was revealed to the eyes of the girls. It +was shimmering in the deep shadow of the foliage under which it flowed +until it became lost in the shadows of foliage and rocks. Harriet drove +her boat in without the least hesitancy. She saw by glancing above her +head that there were no heavy limbs of trees hanging over the little +waterway. A sounding with the oar developed the fact that there was only +about three feet of water in the stream. + +"Do you know where you are going, Harriet?" questioned Jane anxiously. + +"No. But I don't care. Do you?" + +"Not I. I can go where you go. Oh, look at that hole. It's a cave, +Harriet, and the stream goes right into it." + +"I think you are mistaken, Jane. That looks to me more as if the water +had worn an opening in the rocks. The water must have been very high to +make such a large opening. Yes. See! The water swirls in at one side of +the opening and comes out on the other side, making a sort of horseshoe +shape of the cut-out place. Isn't this a place in which to hide, Jane +McCarthy?" cried Harriet triumphantly. + +"Hurrah! The greatest hiding place in the world." + +"And won't the Tramp Club be amazed when they find we are missing? +They'll think their chance of winning the camera is doubtful." + +"Perhaps they'll think we're drowned," answered Jane, her eyes sparkling +mischievously. + +"A little scare will do them good," returned Harriet, the mischievous +sparkle appearing in the depths of her brown eyes. "What do you think of +it, dear?" + +"Fine! It's glorious. We'll have a picnic here. What fun, what fun! And +it's such a beautiful place too. What shall we call it?" + +"I think we might call it the Island of Delight," answered Harriet, +after brief reflection. + +"That's the name! Now, let's explore the place." + +"Oh, no, not now, Jane. We must go and lay our plan before Miss Elting +first. I do not think she will object, but we must ask her, of course, +before we make any further arrangements." + +"When do you plan to move in here?" + +"Just as soon as we are able to get the 'Red Rover' in here. I am in a +hurry. The boys are likely to be sailing over here almost any time now. +We must get out of sight before they come near here." + +"Hurrah!" shouted Crazy Jane. + +"Save your breath. You will need it before we have gotten our big boat +in. It is going to be a hard pull to get it through all this foliage and +then it is going to be another difficult job to get it out again. When +we get those boys on the Island of Delight we are going to give them +something to think about," chuckled Harriet. "This time, the +Meadow-Brook Girls will score." + +"I should like to know how you are going to get them here?" wondered +Jane. + +"Oh, that is easy. One doesn't even need to think to know how to do +that," laughed Harriet Burrell. + +Jane regarded her admiringly. + +"You sure are a wonderful girl. My daddy says he'd give a million if you +were his daughter." + +"I'm worth much less than that," smiled Harriet. "Now let's go back. We +haven't any time to spare. When we get out into the lake both of us will +row, but let's be certain that there is no one in sight. We don't want +to be seen coming from this place or our plans will be spoiled before we +have had a chance to carry them out." + +They shoved the rowboat back through the foliage by placing the oars on +the bottom and pushing. They made better progress this way than they +could have made by rowing, for the low hanging branches of the trees +fouled the oars, making rowing a difficult method of travel, as they had +learned when they entered the narrow little waterway. + +No person was in sight when they emerged. The two girls bent to their +oars with a will and made rapid progress on their way back toward the +"Red Rover." + +Those on the houseboat saw the girls coming. + +"Harriet ith in a hurry about thomething," observed Tommy, wrinkling her +forehead into sharp little ridges of perplexity. She did not understand +how any one could be in a hurry on such a hot day as this. + +The rowers reached the "Red Rover," and jumping aboard, their faces +flushed and eyes sparkling, proceeded to tell their companions of their +great find. + +"And what is your plan?" asked the guardian, smiling good-naturedly. + +Harriet told her, whispering part of what she had to say, in the ear of +Miss Elting. + +"That will be fine," glowed the guardian, instantly entering into the +spirit of the plan. "We shall at least have a good time there." + +"And we'll be hidden from the world so no one will know we are on this +island at all," interjected Jane. + +"I am with you, girls. But we must not let people get the idea that +anything has happened to us. That would not be right, you know." + +"No one about here knows, or at least cares, what happens to us, unless +it is the Tramp Club," replied Harriet, "Besides, I shall find a way to +let them know we are above water, rather than underneath it." + +"All right. I suppose you wish to move into this retreat to-day, Captain +Harriet?" + +"Yes. At once." + +"Then get under way, Captain, as soon as you wish. Able seaman Tommy +Thompson will heave the anchor for you," averred the guardian merrily. + +"Able theaman Tommy will do nothing of the thort," retorted Tommy. "Able +theaman Tommy will heave herthelf overboard if thhe trieth to do any +heaving at all." + +"Miss Elting, I think you can steer the boat. I am needed in the rowboat +with Jane," interrupted Harriet. + +"Girls, I am afraid it is going to be a pretty hard pull in this heat. +Hadn't we better wait until the evening?" suggested the guardian. + +Harriet and Jane protested that they didn't mind the heat at all, and +that they could pull the big boat over to the island without the least +difficulty. Miss Elting offered no further objections. The "Red Rover" +was a scene of activity from that moment on. All hands except Tommy +assisted in getting the anchor aboard. Harriet and Jane, without loss of +time, jumped into the rowboat and began pulling away. It was hard work +to get the houseboat started, but once under way it followed along +fairly well. + +Miss Elting handled the tiller, while Hazel, Margery and Tommy acted as +lookouts to inform the rowers if any motor boats were sighted. The +lookouts watched the lake through their glasses. The sun glaring down on +the red sides of the "Red Rover" made the boat visible as far as eyes +could reach. It was even discovered by one of the Tramp Club boys, but +so slowly did it move that he was not aware that it was moving at all. +From the other side of the lake the houseboat appeared to be standing +still, until finally it disappeared altogether. He wondered a little +over this at the time, then forgot all about the circumstance until +later. + +[Illustration: Miss Elting Handled the Tiller.] + +In the meantime Harriet and Crazy Jane were heading toward the Island of +Delight, pulling at the oars with backs bent to their task. They were +destined to have a most delightful time on this their Island of Delight +and to experience some thrills as well, and Harriet's plans were to work +out better than she knew. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +THE TRAMP CLUB IS ALARMED + + +Now that they were masked by the island, the girls also were shut off +from a view of the lake, save for the narrow ribbon of water that lay +between them and the nearby shore, so they rowed faster than before. + +"Can you steer into this opening?" called Harriet. + +"I am afraid I can't," answered Miss Elting. "You will have to put me +aboard, Jane, I'll have Hazel help you pull in; then we shall have to +push the rest of the way." + +Harriet Burrell sprang on board a few minutes later. She set Miss Elting +and Margery at work with poles at the stern of the boat pushing, as soon +as they entered the shallow water. Tommy had been posted on the upper +deck, from which the awning posts had been removed. Tommy's business was +to hold her arms out at right angles to her body and by moving them as +directed indicate to Harriet which way to steer. It will be remembered +that Harriet was unable to see over the deckhouse from where she stood +when guiding the craft. She could see only by leaning out on either +side. + +They entered the narrow channel very slowly. But no sooner had they +gotten well in than a cry from Tommy Thompson told them that the little +lisping girl was in trouble. + +Tommy had been swept from her feet by the foliage. Not only that, but in +floundering about she had rolled over the side of the boat. A mighty +splash and a second cry gave additional evidence that Tommy was in +further difficulties. + +"Help me! I'm in the water!" she screamed, coming up sputtering and +coughing. + +"Stay there and push," answered Harriet, laughing so that she bumped the +nose of the houseboat into the bank on the right side of the creek. "You +can't get any wetter. The water is shallow. Come. Don't hold up the +ship." + +Tommy had no intention of pushing. Her sole ambition at this moment was +to get aboard. + +"You may do your own piloting after thith," she declared, sitting down +on the stern of the boat with a suggestion of a sob in her voice. + +"There, there, Tommy. You must learn to take the bitter with the sweet. +We must do that all through life," comforted Harriet wisely. "You aren't +hurt." + +"No, but I'm wet. My feelingth are hurt, too." + +"Don't think about it any more," advised Harriet. "Go into the cabin and +change your wet clothes. Then you'll feel better." + +"Will you steer, Miss Elting?" Harriet asked the guardian. "We are +slowing down too much. If we stop it will be difficult to get another +start." + +The boat moved faster when Harriet took hold of the pushing pole. Jane +had ceased rowing because she was at the end of her tow line and had +proceeded as far into the cave-like opening in the rocks as she could +go. She pulled the rowboat to one side and called to the helmswoman of +the "Red Rover" not to run her down. + +"Snub her nose against the side. We don't want to bump into the rocks," +ordered Captain Harriet. + +"Thnub whothe nothe?" questioned Tommy apprehensively. + +"The boat's, of course, you goose," answered Harriet laughingly. "That's +it. Will it go in clear, Jane?" + +"Yes, all right." + +"Good. I was certain it would." + +"How are we going to keep the boat in here? It will drift out with the +current, will it not?" asked the guardian. + +"We will put out the anchor at the other end, giving it a short rope. +That will hold us. The current is not swift." + +While she was holding the "Red Rover" in place, Jane and Miss Elting +dragged the anchor to the inner end of the opening, put it over and made +it fast with a shortened rope. + +"There. Now let's sit down and rest our backs," exclaimed Harriet. Her +face was red and perspiring. "I'm tired." + +"Harriet, you must be tired. You have wonderful endurance," said the +guardian. + +"Tho am I tired. I'm worn out," declared Tommy. + +"Tired? Why, you haven't done a thing, you dear little goose," chuckled +Crazy Jane. + +"I know that. It maketh me tired to watch you folkth work. Now, what +crathy thing are we going to do?" + +"After we have rested we are going to explore our Island of Delight. +Won't that be splendid?" questioned Harriet, with glowing eyes. "Just +imagine that we are on an unknown, mysterious island. Perhaps there are +savages, wild beasts and----" + +"And thingth," finished Tommy. + +"Yes, and things," agreed Harriet. + +"Perhaps there is another phase of this game of hide and seek that you +have not thought of, Harriet," pondered Miss Elting. "How are we to get +fresh supplies?" + +"There are several farmhouses within half an hour's row of us. By going +to them early in the evening we shall not be discovered." + +Miss Elting nodded. Margery wanted to know how long they were going to +stay in that hole in the ground. + +"Until you girls get tired of it," answered Harriet good-naturedly. "As +I understand our arrangement, we have the privilege of expressing our +choice in all matters that come up, Miss Elting's decision being final. +What a glorious place this is!" + +"Aren't we going to explore our Island of Delight now?" demanded Jane. + +"It is your discovery--yours and Harriet's," was Miss Elting's smiling +reply. "Suit yourselves as to exploring it." + +"We have time to look about a little before night," answered Harriet. +"It won't be dark for a little while yet." + +They were about to start out when the distant chug of a motor boat was +heard. "I guess we will not go just yet," she added. "Wait. I'll row +down to the mouth and see if it is the Tramp Club's boat." + +Harriet paddled part way to the lake edge, then finding the bank +accessible, sprang out and crept the rest of the way on shore. She was +in time to see a power boat moving slowly past. It was close to the +shore of the island. Several young men were aboard. One was standing up, +gazing toward the island, one hand shading his eyes. Harriet chuckled +when she recognized the standing boy as George Baker. There could be no +doubt that the boys were looking for the Meadow-Brook Girls. The +watching girl chuckled with delight. Then the thought occurred to her +that some way must be found to communicate with the boys soon, so that +the latter might know they were safe. Just how that was to be +accomplished Harriet did not know. The launch soon passed on out of +sight. + +As a matter of fact, Captain George Baker and his companions were a +little disturbed over not finding the "Red Rover." Sam said he had seen +the boat that afternoon, and unless it had picked up a tow the houseboat +could not be far away. They moved along the shore, peering into each +cove on that side of the lake until twilight fell and it was no longer +light enough to see into the shadows. + +"It's my opinion that those girls will win the wager unless we do some +hustling," declared Larry Goheen, when they had once more returned to +their camp on the other side of the lake. + +"Harriet Burrell is very clever," answered George. "I wish we had gone +ashore over there near where we last saw the 'Red Rover.' I'll tell you +what we'll do. We'll run over there to-morrow and make inquiries of the +farmers nearby. We ought at least to get some trace of them." + +The boat turned homeward after having encircled the island. Harriet, as +soon as the motor boat had passed on out of sight, hurried back to her +companions. + +"Girls! It's the boys," she cried. "They are looking for us. I could see +that. They were so close to the island that I could almost have hit them +with a stone." + +"Provided you could throw straight," interjected Miss Elting. + +"Yes. I wouldn't have to be a very good thrower to reach a boat so close +as that one was." + +"Shall we go exploring now?" asked Margery. + +"I don't believe it would be prudent. Those boys are sharp. They may be +on the island at this very moment. I don't hear their boat any more," +replied Harriet. + +"We will postpone exploring until to-morrow," announced Miss Elting. +"And now, suppose we get supper? This is a cosy place. I never saw a +more delightful nook. To-morrow morning, if the coast be clear, we will +look about us. How about the farmhouse?" + +"I am going over there as soon as it gets a little darker." + +Harriet did not go until after supper, which proved to be one of the +most enjoyable meals to which the girls had ever sat down. Their +surroundings were so romantic that the situation appealed strongly to +each of them. The Meadow-Brook Girls were in high good humor. Later in +the evening, Harriet, accompanied by Jane and Hazel, paddled the rowboat +out from the island and rowed almost straight across to the shore of the +mainland. Hiding their boat in some bushes they made their way to a +farmhouse, and there arranged for milk. Harriet had a confidential chat +with the woman of the house, who readily agreed to the girl's +proposition to assist in fooling the boys. The woman further agreed to +provide them with such supplies as they needed. For such as they took +with them the girls paid then and there. Harriet chuckled all the way +back to the island. She believed that she had planned in such a way as +thoroughly to mystify George Baker and his friends, and at the same time +convince the latter that the Meadow-Brook Girls were not in trouble. + +Reaching the island they found their companions eagerly awaiting them. +To Miss Elting, Harriet confided her plan. Then, after a happy evening, +the houseboat party went to bed, looking forward with keen expectation +to what awaited them on the morrow, when Harriet's new plan was to be +tried. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +THEIR SUSPICIONS AROUSED + + +That night there was a shower. The rain, beating down on the foliage and +the end of the houseboat that protruded from the cave, served to freshen +the air and brought out the fragrance of green leaves and flowers. When +the sun came out next morning every leaf and petal was glistening, birds +were singing overhead and the girls uttered exclamations of delight as +they ran out in their bathing suits and jumped into the water for their +morning baths. + +For several moments they splashed about in the shallow water, then, +scrambling aboard their houseboat, enjoyed brisk rub downs, after which +their appetites were sufficiently sharpened to cause them to hurry the +breakfast with all possible speed. They ate under the light of the lamp +that hung from the cabin ceiling. Had the foliage not been so wet they +would have permitted the "Red Rover" to drift out from under the rocks, +but it was decided that the trees were too wet for this, so they ate in +the darkened cave. + +Immediately after breakfast they put on their old khaki skirts, that +they had worn part of the time on their long tramp across country the +previous season, and started out on their deferred exploring trip about +the island. Exclamations of delight were frequent. The island was full +of rocky nooks and dells; there were numerous wild flowers, while in the +great trees that overhung the shore of the island an occasional squirrel +whisked back and forth. + +"It really is the Island of Delight!" cried Crazy Jane. "How I wish my +dear old dad were here! Wouldn't he want to buy this island? I'm going +to ask him to come here some day, but I'm afraid he'll say he hasn't the +time." + +"This island is too large to explore this morning," declared Miss +Elting. + +"It may take some days," Harriet nodded, as they strolled about, "but it +will be delightful work." + +On the outer side they discovered evidences that picnic parties had been +there. And then they came upon the remains of a campfire, but it was a +small one, as though there had been but a solitary camper, and that some +time back. + +"I hope no one comes while we're here," murmured Margery. + +"How selfish!" laughed Hazel. + +By seven o'clock the delighted girls began to retrace their steps toward +the houseboat. + +"Now, let's go down to the shore and take a look out over the lake," +proposed Harriet, and this was done. + +There were several boats in sight, but at the distance these looked like +mere specks. A large excursion steamer was passing in the middle of the +lake. Feeling quite certain that they were in no danger of being +discovered the girls found a place in the sunlight and there sat down to +bask in the pleasant warmth of the sun. + +"Get back, at once!" cried Harriet, suddenly springing to her feet, then +crouching. "We don't want to be seen." + +The girls retreated up the shore in some confusion, not stopping to ask +questions until they were concealed. + +"Oh, now I hear it," cried Hazel. "A motor boat coming! Do you think +it's the one the boys are using?" + +"I don't know," Harriet replied, "but it's heading straight for the +island, and we must be ready to seek hiding on the 'Red Rover.'" + +Anxious eyes peered through the bushes, watching the approaching boat +for some time. + +"It _is_ the boys!" announced Miss Elting finally. + +Tommy leaped up, and started to run. + +"Wait!" commanded Harriet. "Let's make sure what they are going to do +before we run away. We may have to creep across that open space there. I +think they can see it from the lake. If they are coming to land on the +island they will have to go farther to the right. That will be our time +to get back." + +But the Tramp Club had no intention of landing at that moment. They were +nearing the island for the purpose of looking it over. When they had +come as close as they cared to run they turned the boat sharply and +moved along at a slower rate of speed. They were out of sight of the +girls a few moments after that. + +"Now for the boat. They are going around to the other side of the +island," declared Harriet. "I think our plan is going to work." + + * * * * * + +For some reason George Baker was considerably interested in that island. +There were many other islands in the lake, but this one had come to hold +a sort of fascination for him. + +"I don't believe they are over there," reflected George. + +"We should have seen them yesterday if they had been," answered Billy +Gordon. "It's a jolly place, though. We'll come over here and camp when +we get ready. It is seldom that any one goes there." + +"Where's that farmhouse we saw yesterday?" questioned Sam. + +"On the other side of the lake, about half way down," answered Gordon. +"There is a pier there so we can land." + +Of course all of this the Meadow-Brook Girls did not hear. But, having +reached the houseboat, they made their way down the inlet, and were near +the mouth of it when they sighted the motor boat on that side of the +island. The girls saw it head straight for the pier where Harriet had +landed the previous evening on her way to the farmhouse for supplies. +The boys tied up the boat and two of them got out and went up the slope +toward the farmhouse. + +The two boys, George and Billy, returned to the motor boat walking +rapidly. + +"Did you find out anything?" called Sam. + +"Yes." + +"Anything wrong?" asked Larry. + +"I don't know. It's a puzzle," replied Captain Baker. "Two of them were +up at that farmhouse last night. The queer thing about it is that the +woman up there saw the 'Red Rover' lying down here yesterday. Then the +boat was gone when she looked again. I don't understand it." + +"Some one gave them a tow. Don't you tumble to that?" asked Sam. + +"Where to?" + +"I give it up. I don't know." + +"If nothing has happened them they can't be far away, or the girls +wouldn't have gone up there last night." + +"What time were they there, George?" + +"Some time after dark. I didn't ask the time. I asked the woman if they +were coming again. She said she didn't know. I told her we would come +back later in the day, and, if she saw either of the girls in the +meantime, to tell them that we wished to know where they are, as we had +something to tell them. It was after dark when they were there. I don't +know what to make of it." + +"Well, they are all right, so what's the use in worrying?" asked Larry. + +"Yes, they aren't drowned. I haven't any too much confidence in that old +scow. It is likely to spring a leak and go down any old time," declared +Billy Gordon. "I wouldn't trust myself in it over night." + +"You are not likely to get the chance," jeered Sam. "What are we going +to do now?" + +"Go on to Wantagh, then to camp. We will come back before supper. While +we are out we'll make inquiries. Some one may have seen the boat. It +probably is laid up in a cove somewhere along this shore," decided +George. + +"We should have seen it if it had been," replied Billy. + +"How about that island? Is there any place along the shore where they +could hide the boat?" questioned Baker. + +Billy shook his head. + +"You have seen the whole island. We went all the way around it +yesterday. It is my opinion that they are going to tie the score." + +"I am beginning to think so myself. But we'll beat them yet," chuckled +Larry Goheen. + +"We will have to wake up in the morning earlier than we usually do," +returned George. "You ought to have seen the way they won that walking +match. Outwit the Meadow-Brook Girls three times in succession. Well, +try it!" + +"If they are so smart, what's the use in bothering about them?" answered +Larry. + +"Because I don't propose to have them get the best of us every time," +returned George. "That's why I made this wager." + +"They didn't get the best of us the other night, did they?" grinned +Billy. "We're one trick ahead." All the boys except George laughed +heartily over some little joke of their own. + +"Look here, fellows," said Baker. "We think we are mighty smart, but I'm +telling you that we may not be as smart as we believe. They may be +laughing at us all the time." + +The two boys got into the launch and Billy started the motor. The launch +backed away, turned slowly about, then followed nearly the same course +that it had on the previous day. This time it crept along still closer +to the Island of Delight. The girls, who were watching it, crouched low, +almost flattening themselves on the ground in their efforts to avoid +discovery. The boys, at one time, seemed to be gazing right at them. + +Yet even with this keen study of the shores of the island the Tramp Club +boys passed by the entrance to the anchorage of the "Red Rover" without +having discovered the little inlet. + +"I'm going over there to find out what they found out," cried Harriet. +"Who is going along? Tommy, I'll take you, Hazel and Margery this time +if you wish to go. You haven't been out with me at all." + +The four got into the small boat and rowed across the water to the same +landing where less than half an hour before the boys' boat had been tied +up. What Harriet learned at the farmhouse, filled her with delight. + +"The boys know we are all right now. They are coming back again this +afternoon. They are going to get another surprise, girls. Oh, we'll win +that camera, won't we? Won't Miss Elting be amused when she hears what +we have to tell her?" said Harriet. + +"I gueth they won't want to thee uth again," suggested Tommy. + +"Yes, they will. They have something to tell us," returned Harriet +mysteriously. + +"What is it?" asked Margery. + +"I am not going to say. At least, not until I am sure it is so. I wonder +if they will get suspicious of the island and search it for us?" + +The Meadow-Brook Girls were on the alert all the rest of the day. They +posted a lookout for the boys, in the person of Hazel Holland, who was +to be depended upon. They drew the "Red Rover" into the cave as far as +it would go, only the tip of the after deck protruding from the mouth of +the cave. There was no more exploring that day. They did not dare get +too far away from their hidden home, fearing lest the boys might come +upon them unawares. Every boat on the lake in the vicinity was regarded +with suspicion. But it was not until nearly five o'clock that Hazel came +in with the report that the launch was heading across the upper end of +the island, evidently making for the dock visited by it earlier in the +day. + +After reaching the landing, Captain Baker went up to the farmhouse +alone. With his companions he had been searching along the lake the +greater part of the afternoon for information about the "Red Rover," but +without result. It was therefore with some misgivings that he once more +knocked at the door of the farmhouse. + +"Have you seen anything of the young ladies?" he asked the instant the +door was opened in response to his knock. + +"Oh! You are the young man who was here this morning? Yes, I've heard +from them," replied the woman, with a twinkle in her eyes that Captain +Baker failed to observe. + +"You have? What have you heard?" + +"The young women were here very shortly after you left this morning." + +"You don't say so? Thank you ever so much. Did they say where they were +stopping?" he questioned eagerly. + +The woman shook her head. + +"But they must be near here?" + +"Maybe they are and maybe they ain't." The farmer's wife did not know +exactly where the girls were, so she had told him no untruth. + +"Haven't you seen their boat?" + +"Not since the other day." + +"That is queer. I don't understand it," pondered George. "Did they leave +any message for us?" + +"Yes," laughed the farmer's wife, keenly enjoying the puzzled look on +Baker's face. "The young lady left word that if you wanted to see them +you'd have to find them." + +"That's the word, is it?" demanded George grimly, pulling his hat down +over his eyes. "The challenge is accepted, and we'll find them!" + +"Not!" added Larry Goheen skeptically, when he heard of George's +confident answer. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +MARGERY MAKES A CUSTARD + + +"Oh, dear, but I jutht _do_ wonder what the boyth are going to do!" +lisped Tommy, as the motor boat started once more on its travels. + +"There's nothing very uncertain, in their own minds," laughed Harriet. +"Just see how fast they're going. They've decided upon something." + +"They're going back to their camp, but I've an idea they're going to +come over soon," guessed Hazel, "and make a regular search for us." + +"Something of that sort," agreed Miss Elting. + +"Well," said Jane sagely, "from their speed and the comfortable way +they're all sitting, I'm sure the boys are not doing any guessing about +their plans." + +"No. They've pathed the guething over to uth," lisped Tommy sagely. + +"Anyway," said Jane McCarthy, "if our friends can't find us, then our +enemies can't, either." + +"I hadn't thought of that," Harriet nodded. + +"I wish I knew what the boys' plan is. At any rate we must begin to +think of outwitting them a second time." + +"How?" asked Hazel eagerly. + +"Oh, I have the greatest scheme! That is, if they come back again," +added Harriet. "We will just have those boys so mystified that they +won't know what they are doing." + +"What do you propose to do?" asked Hazel. + +"That is a dark secret. We won't even whisper it to the little birds +yet, lest they carry it to our friends the tramps. I have an idea that +our friends will be back here to-night. Just what they are going to do I +don't know, but I think they are going to spy on the farmhouse. I wish +they would come over to our Island of Delight. There are a number of +things we could do to puzzle them. And then--" + +"And then the wise housekeeper forgot all about her supper," interrupted +Miss Elting, amid a chorus of laughter and many blushes from Harriet, +who, in the excitement of planning to get the better of George Baker and +his friends, had forgotten her household duties. + +"Very good. I will confess that I have been dilatory. What do you girls +wish for supper?" + +"The same old thing--the old stand-by, bacon and eggs and coffee, +and--" + +"I know what I am going to have," interrupted Margery. "I'm going to +have some custard. I haven't had any custard since I left home." + +"Can you make it?" asked the guardian. + +"Of course I can." + +"You are quite sure of that?" teased Harriet. + +"I guess I know. I've made it ever so many times. You will like it, if +you get a chance to eat any of it. I am making this for myself." + +"Thelfithh," jeered Tommy. "Make me thome plum pudding and thome angel +food while you are about it. I jutht love angel food and plum duff, ath +my father callth it." + +"Custard is good enough for you, Tommy Thompson," laughed Margery. "May +I make the custard, Miss Elting?" + +The guardian nodded smilingly. + +"If you think you can." + +"I'll show you. Where are the milk and the eggs and the other things?" + +"The milk is in that pail that hangs over the side at the other end of +the boat. The eggs are in the paper box behind the stove. The rest of +your materials are in the supply box. As for water, there is a lake full +of it, enough to make custard for the whole world," remarked Miss +Elting. + +"Now you are teasing me--and you, too, Harriet. You will be glad I +thought of it, however, after you have tasted the custard." + +"After I have tasted it, yes," returned Harriet significantly. + +That there was some hidden meaning in Harriet's remark, Margery well +knew. That was as near as she got to understanding just then. Later on +she understood more fully. + +"I am afraid you haven't time to make the custard for supper," added +Harriet. + +"It will do for dessert later in the evening. We don't have to eat +everything all at once, you know." Margery was in a flurry of +importance, over the idea of making the custard. Tommy, despite her +apparent indifference, was eagerly waiting for the custard. It was one +of her favorite dishes. + +Buster broke the eggs in an agate dish, then added the milk, a cupful +for each person. The eggs, of course, had first been beaten up and the +sugar added. Harriet, with her skirt pinned up, was frying bacon and +potatoes until the smoke in the cabin was so thick as to drive out those +who were not actively engaged in getting the supper. Harriet and Margery +stuck to their posts, Tommy Thompson watched the operations from the +deck, now and then coughing to remind them that she was there. + +"There, I think everything is ready," announced Buster. "How soon are +you going to finish with the oil stove?" + +"Please do not wait for me. I shall not be done here for some little +time. The coffee isn't ground yet. What part of the stove do you require +for your custard?" + +"The oven, of course. Don't you know how to make custard?" + +"Oh, yes." Harriet turned her face from her companion, apparently to +avoid the smoke, but in reality that Margery might not observe her +laughter. "Help yourself to the oven." + +Margery groped about underneath the oil stove, burned her fingers and +bumped her forehead against the edge of the stove. + +"If you please, don't knock the top of the stove off. We are some +distance from another stove," reminded Harriet. + +"I--I can't find the oven," wailed Margery. + +"Don't you know why?" + +"No-o." + +"That is strange." + +"Where is the oven?" + +"There isn't any on this stove. Hadn't you discovered that yet, you +silly?" + +"No--oven?" repeated Buster. + +"No. No oven." + +"Then I've mixed my custard for nothing?" + +"I am afraid you have unless you can turn the mixture to some other +purpose." + +Margery stared at Harriet in silence, then carefully setting the dish on +the little shelf above the stove she sat down on the floor and burst +into tears. + +Harriet left her frying pan, and, taking Buster firmly by an arm, lifted +the girl to her feet and led her out to the after deck. + +"Wha--at are you go--oing to do?" + +"Bathe your face for you and set you down on the deck to cool off," +replied Harriet. + +"You knew all the time that there wasn't any oven," sobbed Buster. + +"Yes, of course I did. So should you have known. I let you go on--" + +"Because you are mean," interjected the unhappy Margery. + +"No. To teach you to use your eyes. You should learn to be observing. +Didn't you hear us talking about that oven when Jane brought home the +stove?" + +"Ye--es. I had forgotten." + +"Of course you had. Now get ready for supper. To-morrow I will make an +oven of stones on the shore and you shall make your custard and you +shall have it all to yourself, if you wish, just to punish us for being +so mean to you. Will that satisfy you, Buster?" + +"Ye--ye--yes," answered Buster, with three distinct catches in her +voice. + +"Come, now, dry your eyes, that's a dear," urged Harriet. "Tommy!" + +"Yeth?" + +"Will you kindly place the chairs. Supper will be served in the cabin as +soon as the coffee is ready." + +Tommy proceeded noisily about her task of putting the chairs in place at +the table. Soon after that Harriet with a dish towel whipped the smoke +out of the cabin and then announced that supper was ready. Margery's +eyes were red and she had little to say, but her appetite was unaffected +by her late bitter disappointment. + +"Now tell us of your latest scheme, Harriet," urged the guardian after +they had settled down to their supper. + +"My scheme? Which scheme?" + +There was a laugh at Harriet's expense. + +"There, girls! You see. Harriet has so many schemes and plans in her +head that she doesn't know which is which. I mean your second scheme for +fooling the Tramp Club, Harriet." + +"Oh, yes. I know. I am not going to put it into operation until +to-morrow. You may not approve of it, but I hope you will." + +"I don't think you have reason to complain of my opposing your plans, +Harriet. To tell the truth, I enjoy them as much as you. But before we +go any further with our discussion, do you not think it would be an +excellent idea to hang a blanket over that rear door. The light might +attract attention from the lake and bring undesirable persons here." + +"Thank you. I never thought of it." Harriet rose at once. Selecting a +long blanket, she fastened it over the doorway, after which she drew +down the shades. The door at the other end of the boat opened on to a +solid wall of rock, so that no light could escape from that end. Harriet +was about to resume her seat at the table, when she paused sharply, +raising her hand as a signal for silence. + +"What is it, dear?" asked Miss Elting in a low voice. + +"I heard a shout. There is it again. Did you hear?" + +The guardian and the other girls nodded. + +"It isn't far from here. May I go down to the end of the creek and find +out what it means?" + +"Wait a moment." The guardian turned down the light, then stepped out to +the after deck, followed by the girls. From the deck they could hear the +shouts much more plainly, but the shouters were too far away to make it +possible to distinguish what they were saying. + +"Yes, you may go, but do nothing imprudent," added Miss Elting. + +"I will try not to do so." + +"May I go with you, Harriet?" asked Jane. + +"Perhaps it would be better for me to go alone." Miss Elting agreed with +this, fearing that the girls might begin to laugh or talk and thus +attract attention to themselves. Harriet quickly got the rowboat and +began pushing her way down through the overhanging foliage that smote +her in the face with every move of the oar. + +The night was very dark. She had to feel her way along, but even at that +the boat frequently bumped into the bank. Reaching the lake, she paused +to look and listen. Not more than ten rods above she saw lights on the +shore of the island and a light on the water. A motor boat chugged a few +times, the plash of an oar followed, then more shouts. + +"I simply must find out what is going on there," muttered Harriet. "I +wonder if it can be--Yes, I'll row a little further along. No one will +see me unless I get within range of the lanterns there." + +Taking careful note of the entrance to their secret creek that she might +recognize the spot when she returned, Harriet crept to the stern of the +rowboat and using one oar as a paddle propelled the boat through the +water as quietly as possible. + +As she neared the scene of activity the voices of the newcomers grew +louder. Harriet finally ceased paddling and permitted her boat to drift, +steering well into the shadows, hugging the shore of the island until +she could touch it with an oar. Unless she splashed with the oar, she +was reasonably certain of being able to avoid discovery. The +Meadow-Brook girl was now within a few yards of where the operations +were going on. Her eyes were fixed on the outlines of a launch in which +two persons appeared to be working, when all at once and with a +suddenness that nearly brought a cry to her lips, a canoe shot out of +the shadows directly ahead of her and sped noiselessly out into the +lake. The girl did not even remember to have seen any one in the canoe +so quickly had it appeared and disappeared. She wondered, too, at the +skill that enabled one to paddle without noise. A gentle ripple--the +wake of the canoe--splashed against the bows of her own boat. + +"Surely, I am not dreaming," whispered the girl. "I must have startled +the man. Who could it have been, and is it possible that he has been +here watching us?" A number of surmises entered the mind of Harriet +Burrell. She collected her thoughts quickly and held her boat with the +oar, for she was drifting perilously close to the launch. She was now in +plain sight of the campers on shore. She could hear every word that was +uttered there. + +Harriet listened for fully fifteen minutes. All at once, she swung the +rowboat about, leaning her body to one side to assist in the turning. +The second oar that had been laid across the seats lengthwise of the +boat rolled to the other side with a rumble and a clatter that to her +strained nerves sounded like thunder. + +"Who's there?" called a voice from the launch. + +There was no reply. Harriet, in her haste to get away, splashed noisily. +She heard a quick exclamation, then the sound of two people jumping into +a rowboat. She knew it was the rowboat she had seen lying alongside the +launch. She knew, too, that the rowers were pursuing her. But even then +Harriet did not lose her presence of mind. Instead of doing so, she +dipped her oars and sent the boat shooting ahead, with the water +rippling away from the bows, making a noise that she feared her pursuers +would hear and thus be able to locate her position accurately. Harriet +had not once glanced over her shoulder, but her ears were on the alert +and by the sense of sound she was able to gauge the distance between +herself and the pursuing boat. + +"They're gaining on me!" she muttered. "But I'm going to fool them just +the same." + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +MAKING AN EXCITING DISCOVERY + + +The Meadow-Brook girl did not dare to go on and enter the secret channel +for fear of exposing the hiding place of the houseboat. She was watching +for some other nook into which to drive her boat. In case her pursuers +discovered her she determined to jump out and make her escape as best +she could, leaving the boat on the beach. Then a sudden idea occurred to +her. + +Harriet picked up a tin dipper that lay in the boat and that had been +used for bailing. This she hurled as far out in the lake as she could +throw it. The dipper fell with a splash that was plainly heard both by +herself and those in the pursuing boat. + +"Out there he is!" cried a voice in the other boat. She heard the +pursuers head out. Harriet took advantage of the opportunity to move +her rowboat ahead a few rods. She then turned it sharply to the shore. +The girl was fortunate in being able to find cover in the overhanging +foliage, behind which she took refuge. The water was quite shallow +there. The keel of the rowboat touched bottom. She heard the grating +sound as the boat grounded, but knew that she was not so firmly aground +that she could not get away. + +The men in the rowboat found neither the dipper nor the boat of which +they were in pursuit. Instead of rowing on, they craftily turned sharply +in toward shore in order to get the benefit of the shadows. One within +the shadow could see out fairly well, but to one who was out in the +lake, the shores and the water for some rods about were enveloped in +blackness. + +"Pull out a little, but keep close to the shore," commanded a voice. +"That fellow played some sort of trick on us and has gone on. It's +curious we didn't hear him. Row fast and I'll keep watch. If he gets out +into the lake we've got him." + +The rowboat shot past Harriet Burrell's hiding place so close that she +might have reached out an oar and touched it. She was tempted to give +the person in the stern of the boat a poke with her oar, but wisely +refrained from doing anything of the sort. After the boat had passed, +Harriet sat perfectly still, arms folded, a quiet smile on her face. + +"Harriet Burrell, you are a pretty good scout, after all. You wouldn't +have made such a bad Indian. I'll rap on wood." + +She drummed on the gunwale of the boat. "I hope they won't go far. The +girls will worry if I do not return soon. Still, Miss Elting will know +that there is a good reason for my remaining away so long. There they +come." + +The rowboat was returning. The rowers were moving more slowly now, +talking and wondering as to the man who had been spying on them. They +passed her talking loudly. One of them was threatening vengeance. The +girl waited until they had rowed a safe distance from her, after which +she cautiously pushed her boat out and began rowing toward home. Harriet +was chuckling under her breath, but her eyes and ears were on the alert. +She had not forgotten that canoe. Any person who could paddle like that +was well worth looking out for. + +Harriet rowed past the entrance to their retreat without having observed +it. But it was only a few moments later when she discovered her error. +She turned her boat more carefully this time, then rowed it into the +secret waterway. So quietly did she enter that her companions did not +discover her until the nose of her rowboat bumped the scow. + +There was a little scream, quickly suppressed by Miss Elting. + +"Is that you, Harriet?" she questioned, with no trace of alarm in her +voice. + +"Yes." + +"You were so quiet about it that you gave me the creeps," declared +Margery. + +"Did you find them, Harriet?" asked Jane. + +"Yes. And they came near to finding me too. They chased me nearly all +the way home. I hid in the bushes and waited. They passed me and came on +this way, I should judge nearly up to the entrance, after which they +turned about and went back. That isn't the only strange experience I +have had since I left you." Harriet related the incident of the +mysterious canoe. + +"What were the men doing?" + +"They were pitching camp. We are going to have near neighbors," answered +Harriet, unshipping the oar and tying the rowboat to the scow. + +"Of course, you do not know who they are?" + +"Yes, I do. It is George Baker and his friends." + +A chorus of exclamations greeted this announcement. + +"They have come over here to find us. I think we will play our second +trick on them to-night. It won't do to wait until to-morrow. We will get +caught if we do." + +"Those boys certainly are persistent. They must suspect that we are in +hiding somewhere hereabouts." + +"Yes. I wanted them to think so. I did not wish them to believe we had +been drowned and have the entire lakeside out looking for us. That +wouldn't be fun. It is more fun to tease and tantalize them." + +"Maybe they've got an oven tho Buthter can make her cuthtard," suggested +Tommy Thompson. + +"Please do be quiet, Tommy. We want to hear about the Tramp Club and +what we are to do to outwit them," said Miss Elting. "Did they bring +their tent with them, Harriet?" + +"Yes. At least they have a small tent. I don't believe they have moved +their permanent camp, but they are here in force, that is certain. Now, +I'll tell you about the surprise I propose to give them." + +Harriet explained briefly. At first the girls were not in favor of it, +but after she had gone into further details they grew enthusiastic. + +"You certainly do love to work, don't you, Harriet Burrell?" said Miss +Elting with a laugh. "But it is good for you. I like to see you all +active. One is likely to grow lazy on a houseboat." + +"Not on thith houtheboat," complained Tommy. "It keepeth me tired out +all the time watching other folkth work. My boneth ache all night long, +I am tho tired. When I get home I'll thleep for a month to make up for +lotht time." + +"Had we better start now, Harriet?" asked the guardian. + +"Oh, mercy, no; The boys are up yet and perhaps out on the lake. I +propose that we go to bed, setting our alarm clock for two o'clock in +the morning." + +"Help, help!" moaned Margery. "You'll be the death of me." + +"Thave me!" murmured Tommy. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +AN EARLY MORNING SURPRISE + + +Half an hour after Harriet had outlined her scheme to surprise their +friends, the girls were in bed. They were tired, as usual, and went +promptly to sleep. + +In the meantime the Tramp Club boys had been busy making camp. They +built up a campfire, and, before going to bed, cooked some fish that had +been caught by one of their number that day. + +"I don't believe the Meadow-Brook Girls are in these parts at all," +declared Larry Goheen. + +"It's a lark coming over here for a night's camping out, anyway," +answered Billy Gordon, "It is like being real Indians." + +"We aren't Indians," answered George, "It is those girls who are the +Indians. I'd just like to see any other girls in the state of New +Hampshire make the hike they did that last day we were on the trail. +They may be twenty miles from here by this time. If we don't find them +to-morrow I, for one, shall be in favor of making a trip around the lake +in the launch. We can pretend that we had to go on an errand, or for +some fishing bait or something of the sort. We mustn't let them know we +have been looking for them." + +It was after midnight when the boys turned in. They, too, went sound +asleep directly they rolled up in their blankets in their little tent. +Two hours later while the Tramp Club were oblivious to sound and time, +the alarm clock on the "Red Rover" went off with a thrilling whirr. The +girls sprang from their cots, Margery and Tommy protesting over being +awakened at that unseemly hour, as they characterized it. Harriet +lighted the oil stove and put the kettle on. The others went out to the +deck to wash their faces. Harriet, having finished her labors for the +time being, followed them. + +The air was chill at that hour. The girls were shivering, Tommy's teeth, +chattered. She stammered as well as lisped when she essayed to speak +now. + +"One more night like this, and Tommy won't be able to talk at all," +chuckled Jane. + +"My kingdom for another such a night, then!" returned Margery fervently. + +"Buthter ith too fat to feel the cold," observed Tommy Thompson. She +loved to tease Margery, and to mention her weight always annoyed Buster. +Margery was unable to think of anything sufficiently irritating to fit +that particular case, so she tossed her head and remained silent, while +Tommy's twinkling eyes were fixed upon her. + +By the time they had washed and dressed the tea kettle was singing +merrily. It was a welcome sound and made the girls feel almost warm. +Miss Elting, being first dressed, made the coffee. Harriet set out some +biscuits, together with the milk and sugar. + +"Now, I think we are ready," she announced. + +After drinking the hot coffee the girls felt themselves equal to almost +any task. The fire was put out and the light in the cabin extinguished, +then Harriet and Jane stepped noiselessly into the rowboat after +fastening the tow line to the scow. + +"All aboard," called Harriet softly. + +The "Red Rover" moved to the sound of muffled splashes; then a few +moments later silence settled over the secret channel. + + * * * * * + +It was early on the following morning that Captain George Baker opened +his eyes sleepily. He yawned, blinked and sat up. + +"I guess I'll take an early morning plunge," he decided. "I won't wake +up all day if I don't." Donning his bathing suit he stumbled out to the +lake and permitted himself to fall in. The captain splashed and paddled +about in the cool water for a quarter of an hour. His companions were +still sleeping. George did not awaken them, preferring to take a +solitary swim and rub down before calling them out. + +At last the captain of the Tramp Club emerged dripping from the water +and ran quickly for the tent. A few minutes later he appeared dressed +for the day. Walking down to the shore of the lake he gazed across the +water then uttered a sudden yell and began dancing up and down. + +"Come out, fellows! Come out!" he howled, "Look! Look!" + +Larry Goheen, Billy Gordon and the others came tumbling out, rubbing +their eyes and blinking sleepily. + +"What's the row?" cried Billy. + +"Mean shame to play pranks on a fellow when he's dead for sleep," +growled Sam. + +"Now, what did you do it for?" demanded Larry. "Explain, or in the lake +you go!" + +"I've already been in the lake. I'm dressed for the day. But open your +eyes. You are the sleepiest lot of fellows I ever saw. Why, a baby could +stalk you and you'd never hear it say 'goo.' Come, don't you +sleepy-heads see anything that interests you?" + +Instead of looking out over the lake they were looking at George. + +"Wait, I'll draw a map of the scene and write a directory to the map. +Even then you'd need a private tutor to explain it to you. Look over +there? Do you see anything? Wait, I'll get the telescope." + +Following the direction indicated by Captain George's upraised arm the +boys gazed and as they gazed their eyes grew wide with wonder. Then +suddenly an ear-splitting yell rose from the lips of the Tramp Club. + +"It's the 'Red Rover'!" shouted Sam. + +"We've found them at last, the tramps!" cried Larry Goheen, his shock of +fiery red hair fairly standing on end. + +"We've found them?" scoffed George. "Guess again, Reddy. You mean they +have found themselves for us." + +"Well, what do you know about that?" wondered Billy. "Where in the world +did they come from?" + +"They probably rose from the sea like Neptune," scoffed George. + +The "Red Rover" lay idly rising and falling on the slight swell, +standing out a glistening flame in the bright morning sunlight. There +were no signs of life on board. The boat was anchored some distance from +the camp occupied by the boys, but not far out from the shore of the +island. Naturally the houseboat was a little distance from the secret +channel. + +"Come on, fellows, let's go out and see them," urged Larry +enthusiastically. + +George gave him a withering look. + +"The girls are not yet up. Can't you see that? A fine opinion of us they +would have, were we to go out there at this hour. Do you know what time +it is?" + +"I can't see well enough in the morning to tell the time of day," +replied Larry, with a wry twist of his mouth. + +"Well, it is a quarter after five." + +The boys groaned. + +"Fine time to get a party of gentlemen out of bed," growled Sam. "What +are we going to do about it, anyway?" + +"You fellows are going to take a cold plunge, then get into your +clothes. We will have breakfast. I will start the fire while you are +bathing." + +The boys hurried into their bathing suits, and with many a shout and +yell, plunged into the lake. They were making all the noise they could, +hoping to attract the attention of the girls so as to have the +opportunity to get out to the houseboat as early as possible. But +eagerly as the lads gazed up the lake, the houseboat showed no activity. + +"They must be good sleepers over there," said Larry. + +Captain George smiled to himself. + +"They are only shamming," he muttered under his breath. + +Breakfast was served about an hour later. The fire warmed the boys, and +the coffee and food did likewise. After they had finished their +breakfast they were in great good humor. At half past eight, there still +being no signs of life on board the houseboat, Billy declared that he +was going out in the launch to see if he couldn't stir up something. +All hands piled into the launch. It was a matter of only a few moments +to run to the houseboat. The boys circled the scow slowly, talking +loudly. The windows of the house were open, the curtains flapping in the +gentle breeze, but the doors at either end were tightly closed. + +Having failed to attract any attention from the "Red Rover" the Tramp +Boys returned to camp, tied up the motor boat and sat down to watch and +wait. Nine o'clock came, then ten, but still no sign of life on board. + +Captain George grew a little uneasy. He did not know that the +Meadow-Brook Girls had eaten their breakfast more than an hour before +that, and that the girls were watching the boys, chuckling over the +perplexity of the latter. + +Once more the motor boat was taken out. As they neared the houseboat for +a second time they saw Harriet Burrell come out to the after deck, and +stooping over examine the anchor rope. + +"Halloo, there!" shouted George. + +Harriet paid no attention to the "halloo." Apparently she did not hear +them. George called again, and when Harriet turned and entered the +house, without having once glanced in George's direction, he grew red in +the face. + +"She didn't hear you," chuckled Larry. "You didn't yell loudly enough. +Why didn't you let me give them a roar? I'll guarantee to attract the +attention of any one within half a mile of me." + +"Run alongside, Billy. I'm going to make somebody notice me." + +Billy grinned, then steered the launch up close to the "Red Rover." +George rapped on the deck of the scow with a boathook. He had rapped +several times, and was again getting red in the face when some one +appeared. It was Harriet, who finally opened the door and peered out. +Her face wore an expression of disapproving inquiry. + +"Good morning," called George. The boys took off their hats. + +"Why, it's George Baker," cried Harriet as though greatly surprised to +see these visitors. "Girls, come out. Here are the boys." + +The Meadow-Brook Girls hurried on deck. + +"Where have you been?" questioned Miss Elting. "We did not think you +would desert us in this fashion. We have been expecting you ever since +we last saw you." + +George blinked rapidly. The boys glanced at each other and looked +perplexed and uneasy. Somehow, they had a feeling that they were being +placed in an unenviable light. + +"The question is, where have you been?" asked George in as gruff a tone +as he could assume. + +"Where have we been?" repeated Harriet wonderingly. "Are you joking, Mr. +Baker?" + +"No, I'm not joking. We have been worried about you. Where have you +been?" + +"Why, we have been not far from here all the time. And you mean to tell +me that you didn't know where we were?" + +George shook his head. His companions looked sheepish. + +"Did you sail over here so early in the morning to call on us?" +questioned Harriet innocently. + +"No, we are camping over there." + +"Oh! Then you came over to be near us? Isn't that fine?" laughed Crazy +Jane. + +"We--we thought may--maybe the fishing was better over here," replied +George lamely. + +"Oh, thave me!" muttered Tommy, then fled into the cabin that they might +not observe her laughter. + +"May we come aboard?" asked Billy. + +"Not yet, boys," returned Miss Elting in reply. "Our house is not set to +rights for company. Come over later. We should be pleased to have you." + +"Say. It's hot out here. Suppose we tow you in nearer to our camp. +There will be more shade there too," suggested Larry. + +"Thank you. That will be nice." + +"Come over and have luncheon with us to-day noon," urged George. + +Miss Elting also accepted this invitation, rather to the surprise of the +boys. Billy, without loss of time, fastened a line to the houseboat +attaching the other end of the line to a cleat on the after deck of the +launch. In the meantime Larry had jumped aboard the "Red Rover" and +hauled in the anchor for them. The launch then towed the scow up to the +camp of the tramps. Miss Elting motioned for them to draw the boat a +little beyond the camp, which was done. + +"Cast off," shouted Captain Harriet. + +Jane slipped the tow line then let the anchor go over with a splash. + +"You girls work just like regular sailors," declared Larry admiringly. + +"We will see you at noon," called Miss Elting. "You needn't mind to come +out for us. We have our rowboat." + +"No. We will come for you with the launch," answered Billy. + +As agreed, the boys came out with the launch shortly before twelve +o'clock and took the Meadow-Brook party ashore. George, with an apron +tied about his neck, was deep in preparations for dinner. Harriet and +Jane immediately put on their own aprons, which they had brought along, +and went to work, while Hazel and Margery bustled about assisting Larry +and Sam in getting the table ready. The boys had arranged rustic seats +in place of chairs, and the table, set under the spreading foliage, +looked very neat and attractive. + +[Illustration: George Was Deep in Preparations for Dinner.] + +That luncheon was one of the most enjoyable that any member of the party +ever recalled having sat down to. No reference was made to the +mysterious appearance and disappearance of the Meadow-Brook Girls until +near the close of the meal. + +"You haven't told us where you have been all the time," said Captain +Baker with affected gayety. + +"Oh, yes, I have. I told you we had been near here all the time," +answered Miss Elting, smiling tolerantly. + +"But how did you get over to this side of the lake? That is what you +haven't told us," spoke up Billy Gordon. + +"You mean that that is what you wish to tell us," replied Harriet. "You +towed us over of course during the night. You played the first trick and +won. But now you must tell us what became of the 'Red Rover,' the next +day." + +"But we can't," exclaimed George. "We hunted--" + +"Of course you did," laughed Harriet. "We were watching you all the +time." + +The faces of the boys grew crimson. Forks were dropped on plates with a +noisy clatter. + +"What's the use?" cried George Baker, getting up hurriedly. "Fellows, +we've got to confess that we're beaten in the first round by a lot of +girls who are a good deal smarter than we think we are, or than we ever +shall be." + +George sat down again and began mopping the perspiration from his damp +forehead. + +"And that isn't all," continued Harriet, laughing. "Unless you are +prepared to tell us just how we got back into the lake again we shall +consider ourselves entitled to the second honors, too." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +THE MIDNIGHT ALARM + + +The Meadow-Brook Girls shouted with laughter at this speech. Then, after +a few seconds of hesitation, the boys of the Tramp Club joined in the +merriment. + +"You win," replied George. "We can't answer you. Now tell us how you +disappeared so mysteriously, boat and all, and reappeared just as +suddenly." + +"Excuse me, but I don't propose to reveal our methods of procedure," +laughed Harriet. "Oh, you can't outwit us. You will find us ready for +you every time. We know all about last night, too." + +"I'd certainly like to know where you were last night," said Captain +Baker. + +"We were near you all the time, and you didn't know us," laughed +Harriet. "Even when you came out here yesterday you passed us by without +a single look. You did not see us. Then last night, when you were +chasing some one whom you thought was spying on your camp, you passed us +again, and--" + +"So that was you, eh?" jeered Larry. + +"Who was I?" answered Harriet innocently. + +"The mysterious boat we were pursuing," answered George, eyeing her +keenly. + +"Harriet ith not a boat," averred Tommy. + +"No. She is a mermaid," declared George with emphasis. + +"I beg to differ with all of you," said Sam. "The Meadow-Brook Girls are +the original will o' the wisps. But you haven't seen the last of the +Tramp Club yet. You have won twice but you shan't win again. Hereafter +we'll be on the alert." + +"You'll have to keep a watch on us night and day then," chuckled Jane. + +"This pleasant spirit of rivalry makes matters interesting," interjected +Miss Elting. "You have been very kind to us and helped to make our +vacation enjoyable. We enjoy harmless fun as well as yourselves. I might +add that we haven't fully exhausted our resources, either. And we wish +to thank you for warning us of your intentions." + +The boys blushed sheepishly. + +"Sam, you'd better keep still," suggested George. + +"That's what I say," nodded Larry. + +"Yeth, he talkth too much," agreed Tommy wisely. "But you ought to have +been with uth. We've had an awful time, too." + +"How so?" questioned Billy politely. + +"I fell in the water and Buthter made cuthtard and had no oven to bake +it in, and then--" + +"Who is talking now?" demanded Margery. + +Tommy subsided at once. + +"The question is, are you going to run away from us again?" demanded +George. + +"We never have. Remember, we followed you over here," suggested Jane. +"We shall be near here for some time in all probability. We have plenty +of time. After we get tired of this spot we probably shall move to some +other anchorage, but we'll be here for a few days yet." + +"Keep your eyes open, or you will miss us again and your last chance +will be gone," warned Harriet. + +"We shall keep our eyes open," answered George with an emphatic nod. + +The luncheon having been finished, Billy suggested that they spend the +afternoon in exploring the island. This suited Harriet. She wanted to +see how familiar the boys were with their island. So all started out, +leaving the dishes to be washed later. The girls shook their heads +disapprovingly. + +"Oh, we have a patent dish washing machine," announced Larry. "You see, +we dump the whole lot of dishes into the lake after having smeared them +with sand. We leave the dishes there and the waves wash them. All we +have to do is to take them out and lay them in the sun an hour or so +afterwards. As soon as the dishes dry off they are ready for another +meal to be served on them." + +"Ithn't that jutht like a man?" demanded Tommy. + +"This is Willow Island," Billy informed them after they had mounted a +ridge that commanded a view of about a quarter of the island. + +"It used to be," answered Harriet. "We have rechristened it." + +"What have you named it?" said Billy, regarding her inquiringly. + +"We have named it the 'Island of Delight.' How do you like it?" + +"Great!" shouted the boys in chorus. + +"Have you been all over it yet?" asked Sam. + +"No, we have not," replied Jane, and with truth, for they had not yet +explored the entire island. They were going to do so that day. + +Harriet wanted to test their woodsmanship, so she skilfully led the boys +toward the spot where the "Red Rover" had been so successfully secreted +during the time the boys had been searching for them. By making a wide +detour Harriet finally brought up right over the place where the cave +and the secret creek lay. + +Jane turned away that they might not see her laughter. In the meantime +Harriet and George were discussing the beauties of the place. She gave +him every opportunity to discover the retreat, but George looked about +him with unseeing eyes. As a matter of fact, Harriet admitted to herself +that had she not known that the stream lay below her she never would +have dreamed of its existence. + +There were smiles on the faces of all the Meadow-Brook Girls when +finally they turned away and slowly beat their trail through the thick +growth of vegetation to the lower end of the island. They spent some +time there, sitting on rocks, watching the boats on the lake. Many +admiring glances were directed toward the girls by the Tramp Club boys +who were very much pleased with the straightforward friendly manner of +the Meadow-Brook Girls. + +Finally they turned their footsteps homeward, reaching the camp late in +the afternoon. Larry ran on ahead and gazed out over the water. + +"What do you see?" called Jane. + +"I was looking to see if that 'Red Rover' had disappeared while we were +away," answered the red-headed Larry. "You can't tell about that craft. +It's just as likely not to be there as it is to be there," he added +lamely, then flushed when his companions laughed at him. + +"You're mixed, Larry," jeered Sam. + +"The 'Red Rover' behaves well when we are away," said the guardian in +reply. "We work our spells on it only when we are aboard. It would be +rather embarrassing to have the 'Red Rover' disappear while we were +absent. By the way, we should be happy to have you young gentlemen come +over and take tea with us this evening. Will you come?" + +George shook his head. + +"No, thank you. Not to tea. There are too many of us. But I'll tell you +what we will do. We will come over later in the evening and have a visit +and another concert. Larry plays the banjo. He'll give you an Irish jig +if you wish." + +"That would be fine," answered Crazy Jane enthusiastically. "Now, if I +only had my automobile horn, what a lot of noise we would make, wouldn't +we, boys?" + +"Bring the banjo by all means," urged Miss Elting. + +The boys assisted their guests into the rowboat which had been towed +ashore behind the launch. The little boat was well loaded and settled +perilously low after all had gotten in. Gordon shook his head and +declared it wasn't safe. Miss Elting answered that they didn't mind a +wetting. + +The rowboat was pushed out, the girls and the boys waving and shouting +their adieus. During the rest of the afternoon the girls were busy +sewing, ironing, getting their clothes in fit condition. Supper time +came all too soon for them. The dishes were washed and put away with all +speed that night, and about eight o'clock the boys put off in their own +rowboat. Larry was twanging his banjo on the way over. The "Red Rover" +was all alight in honor of their coming, and following the arrival of +the tramps, a jolly evening was spent. Larry played and the girls sang. +Sam essayed to join in, but ceased his efforts when his companions +threatened to throw him overboard. + +The party broke up about ten o'clock. The boys went home singing "Good +night ladies" to the accompaniment of Larry's banjo. The girls stood on +the upper deck watching the lads until a shout from the shore told the +watchers that their guests had arrived at the camp. + +"Now, what are your plans for to-morrow, girls?" asked Miss Elting when +they had gone below. "Do you wish to go into retirement?" + +"No. The boys have invited us for a ride in the launch to-morrow," +answered Harriet. "What troubles me is the matter of leaving the 'Red +Rover' alone so long. I think perhaps it would be better for me to +remain here to look after the boat while the rest of you go on the motor +boat trip." + +The girls declared they would not go at all unless Harriet went with +them. + +"That matter already has been settled," replied Miss Elting. "I am the +one who will remain aboard the 'Red Rover.' Harriet, you will chaperon +the girls on the motor boat ride. That will settle the objections, and +you will be every bit as good a chaperon as myself." + +The arrangement did not wholly satisfy the Meadow-Brook Girls. All were +very fond of their guardian, and they wished her to have a part in all +their enjoyments. They had not fully decided upon going when they +retired. + +"I wonder if those boys are planning anything for to-night?" mused Miss +Elting, a moment after turning out the lights. + +"Yes," answered Harriet confidently, as if she had been consulted. + +"What?" demanded a chorus of voices. + +"They are planning to go to bed. I saw them fixing the fire, just before +I got into bed." + +"Oh, fudge!" groaned Margery. + +"Thave me!" wailed Tommy. + +Jane suggested that Harriet ought to have a ducking, then one by one the +girls dropped off to sleep. + +The clock that Harriet consulted showed the hour to be ten minutes after +midnight. She had awakened suddenly, and with a feeling that something +were not as it should be. The girl rose softly, peering through the +window. The "Red Rover" was lying very quietly, there being little +movement of the water. No one was about, nor was there a boat in sight. +She stepped out on the deck, glancing about in all directions, her eyes +finally fixing themselves on the camp of the Tramp Club. + +"Those boys are up and moving about," she mused. "They have stirred up +the fire." Just then the girl heard the rattle of an oar in a rowboat. +The sound seemed to come from the camp. Harriet watched a few minutes. +Then turning quickly she went inside. + +"What is it?" demanded Miss Elting sharply. "Who is it?" + +"Harriet. Those boys are awake, and, I think, getting ready to come out +on the lake. I believe they are up to something." + +"What do you suspect?" + +"I don't know. Would it not be wise to awaken the girls and all get +dressed? We don't want to be caught napping, you know." + +"I should say not," agreed the guardian. She got up and went to the +window. Their conversation had been carried on in so low a tone that +none of the others had been awakened. Miss Elting gazed keenly; then, +bringing her glasses, peered through them at the camp of the tramps. +"Yes, they are up to mischief of some sort," she decided, lowering the +glasses and laying them aside. "Girls!" + +"Wha--wha-at?" cried Jane, her feet landing on the floor almost ere the +words were out of her mouth. + +Tommy hopped out of bed a few seconds behind Crazy Jane, but instead of +landing on her feet, the little girl went sprawling on the floor on her +face. + +"Thave me! Are we thinking?" she cried. + +"No, you foolish girl. We aren't sinking," answered Harriet laughing. + +Margery stood shivering in the middle of the cabin. Hazel had begun to +dress. + +"Dress yourselves at once," ordered Miss Elting. "Be quick about it. +They may not be coming here, but if they are, they will be here in a +very few minutes." + +"Who will be here?" demanded Crazy Jane. "Why don't you tell us what all +the uproar is about?" + +"Yes. You might better tell us than to frighten us half to death in this +way," complained Margery. + +"It is the boys. We think they are coming here to play a trick on us, +and if so, we wish to be ready for them," explained Harriet, who was +hurriedly dressing. The girls lost no time in putting on their clothes, +each dressing herself completely. Their hair, braided down their backs +for the night, was left as it was. There was no time to do anything with +that. + +"The boys are putting off in the rowboat, or at least getting ready to +do so," Miss Elting informed the girls, after another look at the camp +through the glasses. "What shall we do?" + +"I will fix it," answered Harriet. She rummaged about at the rear of the +cabin, then ran out to the after deck. They heard her on the upper deck +shortly after that. She soon bustled back into the cabin. + +"They have started. All of you get up on the deck overhead. Listen! I +will tell you briefly what we will do. We will give the boys a scare +that they won't soon forget." + +There were hurried preparations within the cabin of the "Red Rover," +following Harriet Burrell's quick orders, which were approved of by Miss +Elting. The girls then crept to the upper deck, where they crouched +down, peering across the water that lay between the houseboat and the +island. + +"There they come! Not a word from now on, girls," warned Miss Elting. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +THE ROUT OF THE PIRATE CREW + + +"Take your positions, and don't miss when I give the order to let go," +commanded Captain Harriet. "Oh, we won't do a thing to those boys!" + +Margery giggled. + +"Silence!" The captain's voice was stern. + +"If you cannot keep quiet you will have to go below," rebuked Miss +Elting. "You will spoil it all. Now, not another word." + +The silence of sleep settled over the "Red Rover." A gentle ripple at +the bows gave off a soothing, musical sound, but that was all. The girls +were now able to see a boat approaching them from the island, though +unable to make out the forms of the occupants of the craft. Miss Elting, +with glasses in hand, was studying the approaching boat. Fortunately the +night was dark, though the stars were shining brilliantly. + +"All lie down!" came the quiet command from the captain of the "Red +Rover." All except Harriet flattened themselves on the deck. The rowboat +drew slowly up toward the scow, then was permitted to drift in the rest +of the way. When almost alongside, the boys in the rowboat decided to go +around to the other side. This nearly upset the plans of Harriet +Burrell, but she quickly moved her force to the opposite side of the +deck near the stern end. Had the boys been sufficiently alert they might +have caught a faint rattle and a scuffle of feet. They were too intent +on their mission, however, to realize that anything out of the ordinary +was going on aboard the houseboat. + +A whispered conversation ensued in the rowboat, then two boys got +cautiously to the deck of the cockpit. There followed a period of +silence and a low-spoken command from below. + +A mighty yell suddenly broke from the midnight visitors. Howls and +shrieks, Indian war-whoops and beating on the cabin with sticks, +accompanied the shouts. + +"Pirates! Surrender!" howled a voice that was easily recognizable as +belonging to the red-headed Larry Goheen. "Whoop! Hi-yi-yip yah!" + +"We will settle the pirates," muttered Harriet. + +"Just listen to those lads," chuckled Crazy Jane. + +"Let go!" The command came sharp and incisive. A rattle of tin dishes +followed. Pails and pans were raised to the rail as five figures stood +up suddenly. "Stand by to repel boarders!" was the second command. Five +pans and pails of water were tilted, sending a flood of water down on +the heads of the surprised "pirates." From a tub of water on deck the +pails were quickly refilled and the water dumped over the rail. Not many +drops were wasted. Nearly every drop reached a pirate. + +Crazy Jane uttered a shrill war-whoop, then the girls grabbed and shook +her. The amazed pirates were in a panic. Three of them had been left on +the lower deck of the "Red Rover." The rowboat had been quickly pushed +off as soon as the occupants recovered from their first surprise. The +three Tramps made a leap for the rowboat. They landed in the lake with a +splash and went floundering toward the small boat. + +Tommy climbed to the rail and hurled a pan at the beaten pirates. But in +hurling the pan she lost her balance. + +"Thave me!" she screamed. Tommy plunged sideways from the rail, making a +complete turn in the air, landing in the lake with a mighty splash. + +Harriet dived off after her, fearing that her little companion might +have been stunned by striking the water on her back. But Tommy came up +before Harriet rose from her dive. + +"Oh, thave me!" wailed Tommy in a choking voice. + +All this had happened without the boys understanding what was going on. +They had taken aboard their three companions and were pulling into the +shadow of the island with all speed. Miss Elting and Jane had run down +to the lower deck. The guardian cast a rope. Harriet and Tommy brushed +the rope aside and swam easily to the end of the boat, where Harriet +assisted Tommy up, afterwards being herself assisted aboard by Crazy +Jane. The two thoroughly soaked girls staggered into the cabin, where +Harriet sat down on the floor, laughing hysterically. + +Miss Elting pulled down the shades and lighted the lamp. She stood +regarding her charges with a quizzical twinkle in her eyes. + +"What a mess! What a mess," laughed Crazy Jane. "But we repelled the +boarders, didn't we, darlin'?" + +"They won't try to play any tricks on us after this, I am sure," agreed +the guardian. "I'll warrant they are still wondering what happened to +them. But it was too bad. What a wetting they did get!" + +"Too bad!" exploded Harriet. + +"No. It served them right," interjected Hazel. "Why, they might have +frightened us to death." + +"They will be at our feet to-morrow," giggled Jane. "Tommy, did you ever +have any one fall at your feet!" + +"Yeth. You know Jake Thpooner? Well, he had a conniption fit, one day, +in the thtreet, and fell down right at my feet." + +"You mean an epileptic fit. But you shouldn't joke about a serious +matter like that," rebuked Miss Elting. + +"I wathn't joking. He did. It wath Buthter who laughed. I didn't. But +Buthter ith fat, you know. Fat folkth alwayth laugh when they +thhouldn't. They thhake all over when they laugh. I'm glad I'm not fat +like Buthter." + +Margery's face was flushed and indignant. Her companions were laughing +merrily at her expense. Harriet had gotten up and was removing her wet +clothing. Miss Elting lifted Tommy, who also had sat down, and gave her +a gentle push toward the dressing room. + +"Take off your wet clothes and get on your kimono. Girls, you may as +well prepare for bed, too. I don't believe we shall be troubled by +pirates again this night," said the guardian, with a merry twinkle in +her eyes. "You will not want to get up in the morning when you are +called. I fear we are losing too much sleep these nights." + +While they were preparing for bed Miss Elting took a final look at the +camp of the Tramp Club. There was activity there, but not nearly so much +of it as the last time she had examined the camp through her glasses. +The guardian smiled grimly at thought of the surprise they had given +those fun-loving boys. They had thought to make good their boast to get +the better of the Meadow-Brook Girls, but had met an ignominious +defeat. + +"I should not be surprised to see that camp deserted to-morrow morning," +mused Miss Elting. "I hope not. They are nice boys." + +"Are they coming out again?" asked a voice at the guardian's side. + +"No, Harriet. I think not. I am just taking a final look their way +before retiring. Did we leave the pails and pans upstairs?" + +"Yes. Shall I bring them down?" + +"Oh, no. It is not necessary. Morning will be time enough. Now go to +bed. We shall not be disturbed again to-night. Good night, girls. Sweet +dreams." + +"And pleathant nightmareth," mumbled Tommy from under the blanket. She +was found curled up in a ball when the guardian went over to see that +the little girl was comfortable for the night. The light was blown out +just as Harriet sought her cot. Miss Elting was in bed a moment +afterwards, and peace and quiet again settled over the clumsy "Red +Rover." This peace, however, was not destined to last long. It was to be +rudely broken ere the morning dawned. From down the lake a canoe was +coming, propelled swiftly and silently by a pair of muscular arms. The +canoe, if it continued on its present course, would hit the "Red Rover" +fairly on its nose. But just before reaching the houseboat, the canoe +veered to one side a little and the paddle trailed the water behind. +The canoe glided along to one side of the "Red Rover," then stopped. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +A MIDNIGHT VISITOR + + +The same dark canoe that Harriet Burrell had seen shoot out into the +lake before her the night she was reconnoitering near the camp of the +Tramp Club was now hovering about the houseboat. It would have appeared +almost uncanny to one not experienced in canoeing to observe the +absolute noiselessness with which the frail little craft was propelled +about the larger boat. When it was turned, it was as though the boat +were swinging on a pivot. When the half of its length was let down to +the water after such a swing, there followed not the slightest +suggestion of a splash. + +Lulled by the gentle lapping of the water against the side of the boat, +the Meadow-Brook Girls slept soundly. On shore the boys of the Tramp +Club also were sleeping. The girls on board the "Red Rover," as already +mentioned, had no fear of a second attack that night, nor had the +youthful pirates the slightest intention of repeating the experiment +that had turned out so badly for them and so triumphantly for the +Meadow-Brook Girls. It was quite evident that the newcomer did not +belong to the Tramp Club. His face looked dark and swarthy in the +moonlight. He had straight black hair and high cheek bones and there was +a revengeful light in his sharp black eyes as he scanned the silent +houseboat. + +Once more the canoe shifted its position and slid to a point directly +under one of the little windows. The window was open, the curtains were +streaming out through the opening. The intruder stood up in his canoe +without disturbing its balance in the least. + +Just about this time Tommy Thompson awoke with a little gasp. She had +been dreaming that Buster, in the guise of a pirate, was trying to +smother her with a sofa pillow. Tommy had been skirting the edge of one +of the "pleathant nightmareth" she had prophesied for the girls on +retiring. She sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes. Suddenly she uttered a +terrified scream. + +For the second time that night the Meadow-Brook Girls scrambled from +their beds in alarm. + +"Tommy, Tommy, what is the matter?" cried Harriet, springing to the +little girl's side. + +"I thaw the motht terrible fathe," moaned Tommy. "Oh, thave me." + +"Nonsense, Tommy," laughed Harriet. + +"You've just had one of those nightmares you were talking about when you +bade us good night." + +"No, thir," reiterated Tommy. "I thaw thomething. It wath a man and he +thtood right in front of the window. You thee I wath dreaming that +Buthter wath a pirate, and wath trying to thmother me with a thofa +pillow and all of a thudden I that up in bed and thaw thith fathe +looking in the window at me. That ith why I thcreamed," concluded Tommy, +with dignity. "I didn't have the nightmare. I tell you I thaw a fathe." + +"How ridiculous," sniffed Buster. "How could she see a face when we are +away out here on the lake. Why look!" she continued, stepping to the +window. "It's bright moonlight, and there isn't a boat to be seen on the +water." + +"Buthter doethn't know what I thaw," retorted Tommy angrily. "Thhe +hathn't my eyeth hath thhe? Buthter maketh me tired." + +"There, there, girls," reproved Miss Elting. "That will do. Harriet, I +think you and I had better dress, then get into the rowboat and do a +little investigating. Perhaps some prowler has visited the boat while we +were asleep. Light the lamp, Jane, and we'll see if all our belongings +are safe." + +Jane and Hazel made a rapid search about the boat while Harriet and +Miss Elting were dressing. Meanwhile Tommy and Margery sat on the edges +of their cots and conducted a spirited argument as to whether Tommy +really had seen a "fathe" at the window. + +"All ready," called Harriet as she ran to where the rowboat was +fastened. Then she gave a little cry of alarm that brought Miss Elting +and the others to her side on the run. + +"What is it, Harriet?" cried the guardian. + +Harriet stood looking out over the water, a piece of rope in her hand. +"Some one has stolen our rowboat," she gasped. "See, the rope has been +cut." + +"Then the Tramp Club must have come over here again in the night and +stolen it," decided Miss Elting. "Still that would hardly account for +the face Tommy saw at the window, and she is positive that she really +saw some one. I am inclined to think, however, that she had the +nightmare, and simply dreamed about that frightful face." + +"I can't see that there is anything particularly clever or original +about stealing a rowboat in the dead of night," said Harriet slowly, +"and I don't believe that the boys would think so either. There is +something peculiar about this affair and I believe that the Tramp Club +have had nothing to do with this latest puzzle." + +"That ith what I think," agreed Tommy. "It wathn't thothe boyth that +thcared me tho." + +"Nothing has been stolen from the boat," declared Hazel, "so it looks as +though our midnight prowler vanished when he heard Tommy's first +scream." + +"I'm going to mount guard for the rest of the night," announced Jane. +"It's half past two now, and by five o'clock it will be light. The rest +of you can go back to bed, and if any one else comes sneaking around +this boat, he'll have to come forward and state his business to Jane +McCarthy." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE + + +It seemed to the tired girls as though they had hardly closed their eyes +when they heard Jane call out: "Seven o'clock. All hands on deck." + +"I'm tho thleepy," murmured Tommy as she struggled into her clothes. + +"I'm pretty near dead," growled Hazel. "I think I'll never get rested." + +"Do let's hurry and have breakfast," pleaded Margery, "I'm so hungry." + +"Chronic thtate," murmured Tommy. + +"I don't have nightmares and wake every one up in the middle of the +night," retorted Margery, "even if I do get hungry sometimes." + +"My nightmare wath utheful, Buthter," returned Tommy calmly. "It helped +uth to dithcover that our boat wath gone. But your appetite ithn't the +leatht bit utheful, not even to yourthelf." + +"I'll never speak to you again, Tommy Thompson," declared Buster +wrathfully. + +"That maketh me feel very thad, Buthter," replied Tommy sarcastically. + +Breakfast was prepared and eaten in record time that morning. Then the +dishes were speedily washed and put away. The Tramp Club's camp showed +no activity until after eight o'clock, when the smoke from their cook +fire was observed curling up through the foliage on the shore of the +Island of Delight. A long-drawn "Hoo-oo-oo" from the camp told the girls +that they had been observed by some of the boys. + +Before nine o'clock the launch put out and sailed rapidly over to the +"Red Rover." + +"We didn't come to call. We just ran over to see what time you wished to +go for a sail?" asked Billy Gordon. + +"Come right on board, boys. We finished our work shortly after daylight +this morning. You see we are early risers," replied Miss Elting. + +The lads needed no urging. They hopped to the after deck of the +houseboat. But no sooner had they come aboard than they perceived that +something was amiss. George glanced at Harriet inquiringly. + +"What's the matter with you girls, this morning?" he asked lamely. + +"We had considerable excitement here last night. We were visited by +pirates," said the guardian. + +The boys flushed guiltily. + +"But that is not all," added Jane McCarthy. "We were visited later in +the night by a real thief." + +"Wha--at!" gasped George, somehow feeling that they were involved. + +"We will tell you all about it. Come upstairs, where we can sit down in +comfort and talk. Perhaps we may ask you to assist us in finding the +thief," said Miss Elting. + +The boys followed the girls to the upper deck, and after they had seated +themselves Miss Elting related what had happened. "Now, boys," she +concluded, "have you the remotest idea as to who could have taken the +boat?" + +For a moment George stared at the guardian in silence, then he said +gravely, "Perhaps you think, Miss Elting, that one of us sneaked over +here last night. I'll admit that we did play pirates, and got the worst +of it, but none of our fellows left camp after we got back from that +pirate trip. There is something strange about this, and it looks to me +as though you had a really malicious enemy." + +"That is what I think," replied Harriet. "You know, of course, of our +previous experiences. Some one is seeking to drive us away. To me it is +the work of a man who for some reason is our enemy. I thought we had +given him the slip, but he has found us again." + +"I will tell you what to do, ladies," spoke up George after pondering +the subject briefly. "You had better run your boat right up on the shore +at one end of our camp, where we can keep our eyes on you. When you wish +to move we will move with you. In that way you will have no further +trouble." + +"You boys wouldn't be of any help to us," interrupted Jane. + +"Why not?" demanded Larry Goheen, bristling. + +"Because you sleep too well." + +"I don't believe I should dare to spend a night on that island," said +Harriet Burrell, regarding the shores of the Island of Delight with +troubled eyes. + +"Why not?" repeated Larry. + +"There are strange things there," said Harriet, pointing. "Haven't you +seen them?" + +"Good gracious, no," answered Billy. "What do you mean, Miss Burrell?" + +"Ghosts!" answered Harriet, leaning toward their guests. The boys fairly +jumped at the words, then laughed heartily. + +"There aren't any such things," scoffed George. "Besides, if there were, +do you think we men would be afraid of them? I guess not. I'd like to +see the ghost that I would be afraid of. You bring out your ghosts! +We'll show you how quickly we will lay them." + +"Oh, I can't bring them out," murmured Harriet. "I thought perhaps you +had seen them." + +"Have you?" demanded Sam, turning on her sharply. + +"Oh, don't ask me," begged Harriet, in such apparent distress that Sam +did not question her further. + +"What's this that Harriet is telling you?" asked Miss Elting. + +"She's been seeing things, and thinks it queer that we have not, too," +answered George. "I wish we might. Then you don't think you would like +to run the boat ashore at the camp, so as to be where we can look after +you?" + +"I should not mind. But the girls think they are able to take care of +themselves, and I must say that I agree with them, George. Don't you +think they are?" asked the guardian. + +"They beat any boys I've ever seen. But then, you see, there are a lot +of us fellows, and then again, your enemies won't be so bold when they +know there are men around the premises," declared George pompously. + +Harriet turned her head away that they might not see her laughter. + +"Any way, let us tow you in closer to shore," urged George. + +Harriet shook her head. + +"Thank you, but we will fight our own battles. If we find we are getting +the worst of it we will scream for you. That is, if you are able to see +us. You gentlemen are short-sighted at times. The very idea of your +hunting all over the lake for us when we were here fairly before your +eyes! Look out that you're not so careless as to lose us again. Remember +it will be the winning stroke for us." + +Harriet's manner was so superbly disdainful, yet there was so much pity +in her tone, that the boys flushed painfully. + +"You won't lose us again the same way--don't worry about that," George +Baker retorted, with some heat. "But when are you going for a ride in +the launch with us?" + +"Why, I think we are ready now," smiled Miss Elting. "For one, I would +like very much to go to Wantagh, if you will be kind enough to take me +there. Harriet, I have changed my mind about remaining with the 'Red +Rover' and I shall accept your suggestion to leave you as watchman on +the 'Red Rover.'" + +"By all means, Miss Elting," replied Harriet. + +"I don't like to see you remaining alone," protested Hazel, as she +stepped, half-reluctantly, into the launch. "I know you'll be dreadfully +lonesome." + +Harriet, however, was far from lonesome. It was really pleasant to be +all by herself for a little while. + +When the launch reached Wantagh the girls promptly went shopping, with +the exception of Jane, who went to engage a rowboat, and Miss Elting, to +hunt up Dee Dickinson. It was an uncomfortable half hour for Dee, for +Miss Elting reported the loss of the rowboat and said very plainly to +him that she believed he understood the cause of the persecutions the +girls were undergoing. Still, Dee could not be made to talk freely. Miss +Elting left him, dissatisfied. + +"That man knows the cause of our troubles, and he simply won't tell me," +said the guardian indignantly to herself, as she walked away. "And just +a hint or two might enable us to save ourselves a good deal of +annoyance, and even protect us from real dangers. I wonder what it all +means." + +She said nothing to the girls about having seen Dickinson, when finally +she joined them at the pier. The girls had filled every available space +in the boat with their purchases and the new dingy was fastened to the +stern. The run back in the late afternoon was a delightful one. When +they came in sight of the "Red Rover" they uttered cries of delight. The +"Red Rover" looked like a huge flame in the sunlight. + +"It doesn't seem possible that such a boat could be lost sight of +anywhere, does it?" questioned Jane brightly, turning to Captain Baker. + +"No," he answered gloomily. "And it won't be again." + +"You can't tell, you know. It may disappear from the face of the waters +this very night." + +George looked at Billy. Jane had given them a hint that they were not +slow to catch. They did not know that she was teasing them for the very +purpose of making their surprise greater when it did come. + +The boys left their passengers at the "Red Rover" and then sailed over +to their own camp. The girls were glad to be back. The houseboat had +come to be a real home to them, one that they would be sorry to leave +when their vacation came to an end. + +Jane had purchased a dozen colored lanterns in town. As soon as darkness +fell, these were lighted and strung above the upper deck. The interior +was brightly lighted, so that the "Red Rover," that evening, stood out +more prominently than anything else on that part of the lake. Later in +the evening, after having disposed of their work, the girls took out the +new rowboat and rowed slowly round and round the "Red Rover" singing. +The boys came out at that and joined them. Together, the two boats +drifted about until the hour grew late and Miss Elting called to the +girls that it was time to come in. They responded promptly. The boys +rowed up alongside and holding to the gunwale of the "Red Rover," +chatted for a few moments. + +"So long! We will see you in the morning," called George as they pushed +the rowboat off. + +"Yes. In the morning--maybe," answered Harriet laughingly. + +"It's my opinion that those girls are going to try to play more tricks +to-night," declared Billy, after they had gotten a short distance from +the "Red Rover." He was speaking in a tone louder than he imagined. +Harriet heard every word he said. + +"Yes," agreed George. "I'll tell you what we'll do. We'll put a boy on +watch to-night. Then, if they try to run away from us, we will just +follow and give them a surprise. We can't let those girls get the better +of us this time." + +That was the last that Harriet heard. They had rowed so far away that +their words were inaudible. But what she had heard was quite sufficient. + +"And about those ghosts?" questioned Larry. + +"A bluff," scoffed George. "You don't believe in ghosts, do you?" + +"Well, I don't know. I have heard of such things," admitted Larry +solemnly. + +"Nonsense. I guess we will elect you to watch the houseboat to-night. +How about it?" demanded George. + +"I don't care." + +"But don't you dare go to sleep." + +"What if I do?" + +"You will get a ducking," interjected Sam. "You will get your +distinguished head held under water until you're wide awake." + +The plan, however, was put into operation soon after their arrival at +the camp. They watched the "Red Rover" together until all the lights +except the anchor light, had been put out. They knew, by this sign, that +the Meadow-Brook Girls had retired for the night. The Tramp Club then +went to bed, leaving Larry on guard. All he could see of the "Red Rover" +was the anchor light, the night being very dark and a little hazy. But +he never lost sight of this anchor light for more than a few moments at +a time. Were the girls to get away without his discovering it he knew +what to expect at the hands of his companions. Then again, Larry Goheen +prided himself on his keenness. It would be very humiliating to be +outwitted by the girls. He, with the rest of the boys fully believed +that the girls were planning some trick for that night. + +Larry watched that anchor light until just before the break of day, when +he called Sam to come out and take the watch until breakfast time. The +daylight had not yet become pronounced enough to make out objects +distinctly, but shortly after Sam took the watch the day broke bright +and clear. The anchor light seemed to fade away and merge into thin air +before his very eyes. He did not stop to reason that this was because +the morning light had become stronger than that of the lantern. + +Sam blinked and rubbed his eyes. He could hardly believe what they told +him. He uttered a yell that brought his companions out on the run. + +"What's up?" shouted Billy. + +"Everything. They've tricked us! They've gone!" cried Sam. + +"They have, I do declare," added George in a hushed tone. "When did they +go?" + +"Just now. I saw them." + +"You were asleep," rebuked Billy. + +"I wasn't! They disappeared! They went up in thin air." + +Just then they were interrupted by a long, piercing wail that seemed to +come from the air above and around them. The boys gazed into each others +faces. + +"It's a banshee's wail," whispered Larry. "Somebody's going to die." + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +A FRUITLESS SEARCH + + +"Don't be an idiot, Larry," rebuked If Billy Gordon. "Don't you know +what that was?" + +"Yes. I told you," whispered the red-headed boy. + +"Pshaw! It was only a cat bird," scoffed George Baker. "Who's afraid of +spooks, anyway? The fact is that those girls have outwitted us three +times. We have lost the wager. Now the question is, when did they get +away?" + +Larry declared that he had never removed his gaze from the anchor light +during his whole watch, except when he went to get wood for the +campfire. + +"There's only one way out of it," decided Billy. "Duck the two of them. +We will be certain to get the right party then." + +"'Nuff said," nodded George. The boys grabbed the two lads, and, despite +their struggles, managed to throw them into the lake, but in doing so, +George and Billy found themselves in the water, also. + +This little experience put them in a better frame of mind. The lads +quickly divested themselves of their wet pajamas and put on their +clothes. Breakfast was a hurried meal that morning. After breakfast they +sat down to take counsel among themselves while Sam scraped the dishes +then threw them in the lake to be washed by the lake itself. They +decided that either Larry or Sam must have fallen asleep, and that at a +time when the girls had moved from their anchorage. + +Both lads protested that nothing of the kind had happened. Sam stuck to +his story that the anchor light had faded away and that the "Red Rover" +had disappeared all in the same moment. + +"What are we going to do about it?" questioned Larry Goheen. + +"We are going to take up a collection for that camera, and then we are +going to find them," answered Billy. + +"We are going to try, you mean," answered George with a mirthless smile. +"We have tried before--and failed, and now we are obliged to confess +that we are beaten for good and all. However let us reason this thing +out. The 'Red Rover' couldn't have disappeared, it could have gone only +by being towed away. If a launch had towed it, the noise would have +awakened us, even though Larry or Sam had been asleep. If the houseboat +was towed by the girls, which it undoubtedly was, it can't be far away. +That makes our work easier." + +"There is only one flaw in your argument, George," interrupted Billy +Gordon. "Granting that they did row away from here, how do you know that +at daylight they did not pick up a launch and hike half the length of +the lake?" + +George shook his head slowly. + +"There wouldn't be any fun for them in that. They would want to be on +hand, to make faces at us behind our backs." + +"You may be right at that." Billy gazed reflectively over the lake. As +he gazed his eyes took on an expression of new interest. "What's that +out there, fellows?" he demanded. + +It was some seconds before they discovered that which had attracted his +attention. Then when they did so, they were unable to decide what it +was. They were certain that the object had not been there the night +before. + +"That's right where the 'Red Rover' lay," cried Larry Goheen. "Maybe +they have sunk." + +The boys with one accord ran for the rowboat. They shoved it off, leaped +in and began rowing at top speed toward the object that had attracted +their attention. Larry began to grin long before they reached the spot. +They finally pulled up alongside the object and stopped. + +The boys regarded it solemnly, then looked into each other's eyes. There +followed a shout of laughter. + +The object that had been discovered by them was a stick, which had been +thrust down into the soft bottom in shallow water. A lantern had been +tied to the top of the stick. It was this lantern, at the end of a +stick, that Larry Goheen had been watching all night, believing it to be +the anchor light of the "Red Rover." It was plain that the girls had +known that they were to be watched, and that they had taken the easiest +possible way to outwit their friends, by placing the anchor light on a +stick and leaving it at the anchorage while the "Red Rover" slipped away +unobserved under cover of the darkness. + +"Stung!" groaned Sam. + +"Worse than that," answered George. "There aren't any words in the +language to express what we'd like to say. Wait till I get the lantern." +The lantern was still burning and the chimney was considerably smoked. +George took it aboard and blew out the light. "You didn't see it go out +after all, Sam." + +"I--I thought I did." + +"I wonder when they left?" mused Billy. + +"Larry, what have you to say about that?" demanded George Baker. + +"Absolutely nothing." + +"They went away during your watch." + +"You can't blame him," answered Sam. "Anybody would have been fooled +under the circumstances." + +"Don't try to make lame excuses," jeered Billy. "Be a man and own up. +They outwitted you, and that's all there is about it. Now, what are we +going to do?" + +"Get out the launch and go on a hunt for them," declared George. "Any +one got a better plan?" + +No one had. They had no plans at all, but were too dazed by this last +trick that had been played on them to be able to think at all clearly. +They reached the shore and George stepped out. His foot had no more than +touched the ground before that same wailing cry rang in their ears +again. + +"I tell you it's a banshee," cried Larry, his shock of red hair fairly +standing on end. + +"We will attend to the ghosts after we have found the 'Red Rover'," +answered George. His face had paled slightly at the sound, and he +admitted to himself that he felt creepy. He was glad that they were +going away from their camp for a time. It was evident that whatever the +noise might be, it was intended to express disapproval of their presence +on the island. George remembered what Harriet Burrell had said about +ghosts on the previous evening. He had laughed at it at the time. He did +not laugh now. He was thinking and thinking seriously. + +No further cries were heard that morning. The boys put out their +campfire and set the camp to rights, Billy in the meantime being engaged +in cleaning and oiling his motor preparatory to the morning run around +the island and along the shore of the mainland. + +It was not exactly a joyous party that set out in the launch half an +hour later. They were chagrined at losing the contest and disgusted that +they should have fallen such easy victims to the ingenious schemes of +the girls. + +"Do you know, I have been thinking," spoke up Larry after they had +started. + +"That's something new," jeered Sam. + +"I have been wondering if all the strange things that have occurred to +the girls haven't been part of a plan to keep us stirred up." + +"Larry, I'm ashamed of you," exclaimed George indignantly. "Those girls +may be full of mischief, but they don't tell lies. They told us the +truth, about their mysterious enemy, and I don't want to hear any boy +intimate that they haven't. He and I will have a falling out right on +the spot, if he does." + +"I apologize. I--I guess I didn't mean it that way," stammered Larry. + +"They are too clever for us, that's all there is to it," added George. +"Run into that cove, please, Billy. There is something that looks like a +red boat in there." + +The something proved to be a small boathouse painted red. It did +resemble the "Red Rover" somewhat. They headed out of the cove, saying +little, but keeping up a lively thinking. The launch was run up the +shore of the mainland for several miles. + +"Shall I turn back?" asked Billy. + +"You might as well," nodded George. "I would suggest that we circle the +island once more. Shut down as low as you can. We must keep a sharp +lookout. There may be some way of getting a boat out of sight. I am +positive that they are about here somewhere." + +The encircling of the island was attended with no better results. Not a +trace of either Meadow-Brook Girls or "Red Rover" was discovered. +Disgusted and disappointed the boys headed the launch toward home. + +"I'll tell you what we will do," declared George as they were landing. +"We will spread out and search the island. I can't get the idea out of +my mind that they are not far away." + +"But what would they do with their boat? It isn't anywhere in the lake +about here, and surely they couldn't drag it ashore," objected Billy. + +"I don't know. I am beginning to think those girls can do almost +anything they set out to do. They are a clever lot. I never knew them to +start anything yet that they didn't go through with, usually ending up +by giving us the worst of it." + +Sam hopped ashore first and ran up to the tent. He peered in, then +uttered a yell. + +"Somebody's been here," he cried. "Wow!" + +The boys hurried up to the tent. The interior was in confusion. The +contents of the tent had been piled in a great heap in the middle of the +floor. A suit of khaki had been draped over sticks and leaned against +the side of the tent, looking like a live man at first glance. Outside +an oven had been constructed of rocks, and a fire put under it. On a +flat stone the coffee pot stood ready. The table had been set, the +potatoes pared and sliced ready for frying, in fact everything was ready +for the noon meal with the exception of the cooking. + +The boys looked at each other then burst out laughing. + +"We've had company," grinned George. + +"I wish they would come every day," added Larry. "They have sense +whoever they are, even if they turn our tent topsy-turvy. But wait. +We've got those girls now. We know they are somewhere about, and we'll +find them if it takes all day and all night to do it." + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +THE TRAMP CLUB FINDS A CLUE + + +"Hello! What's this?" + +Larry, stooping over, picked up a piece of filmy linen. + +"A handkerchief, isn't it?" asked Sam. + +"Let me see that, please," demanded George Baker. Larry handed it to +him. "It's a girl's handkerchief, boys. And here are two initials in one +corner. Hello! 'H.B.' What does that stand for?" + +"It stands for 'Have Been'," declared Larry. "Meaning that they have +been here. But they needn't have told us. We know that." + +"Yes; they've been here," replied George promptly. "Those initials stand +for 'Harriet Burrell.' They mean that the Meadow-Brook Girls have been +here and turned our tent upside down. But they made amends by getting +our noon meal started. I suppose we had better forgive them. What do you +say, fellows?" + +"Of course," nodded Billy. The others agreed. + +"Miss Burrell, having no card, left her handkerchief. But fellows, while +we are fussing around here, they may be getting away again. This may be +another of their tricks," declared George. "I would suggest, Billy, that +you eat your luncheon at once, then run out the launch and keep sailing +around to head them off in case they are running away." + +To this proposition, Billy demurred. He did not fancy going away by +himself. + +"I'll tell you what I'll do," he proposed. "I'll eat luncheon with you +first. They can't get far away before I get out, and even if they did I +should overhaul them. You know that old scow can be seen for miles." + +"I notice we weren't able to see it a few rods from us," observed George +dryly. "All right. Start the potatoes to frying. Did they hide the ham?" + +"They didn't find it. It's in the spring back there," answered Sam. "I +looked." + +The luncheon was prepared in a hurry and the boys ate ravenously. The +excitement of the morning had not interfered with their appetites. + +"Now, Billy, if you see anything, blow your motor horn and keep it going +until we hear it. Some of us will hear you. I propose that we spread out +so as to cover the island, but still keeping within yelling distance of +each other. We know now that the girls are on this island." + +"Well find them." Billy walked slowly down to his launch, got in, and +reversing the engine, backed out, waving an indolent hand at his +companions. + +Suddenly a weird scream rang out on the still air. + +"Run for it, boys. That way," cried George, pointing excitedly. + +"No! It's the other way," shouted Sam. + +"You're both wrong. It's toward the other side of the island," declared +Larry. + +"Now look here, fellows. We are all of us wrong. If we are going to +accomplish anything we must stop fooling and go at this business +scientifically. I will take this side of the island. Sam, you and two of +the fellows take the middle, and Larry the other side, keeping within +sight of the shore. We will search every inch of it, though I don't +believe we can finish the job before night." + +"We had better take our lanterns with us, or we shall break our precious +necks," suggested Sam. + +"Yes. We will do that. Larry, when you catch sight of Billy on the other +side, beckon him in and tell him we may not be back until late this +evening, and for him to keep circling the island until he finds us back +in camp again. Better take some grub along. We can stand it to eat a +cold supper for once. We will have a warm one when we get back." + +After having made their preparations the boys started out, all the +others waiting until Larry got a good start, Sam's party starting next, +George Baker leaving the camp last. In that way they planned to keep +pretty nearly abreast. + + * * * * * + +About this time Crazy Jane McCarthy, face flushed, hair down, her skirt +torn in several places, might have been seen fleeing along the shore of +the island, running away from the Tramp Club's camp and toward their own +secret nook, where the "Red Rover" was lying calmly at anchor in the +half cave that had furnished a hiding place for the girls before. + +She came tearing through the bushes nearly falling into the lower end of +the stream. + +"They're coming!" she shouted. "Get to cover!" + +"Sh-h-h!" warned Hazel, who sat awaiting Jane, in the rowboat. "I hear a +motor boat outside. I think it is the boys' boat." + +"I tell you they are on their way to search the island," answered Jane. + +"All of them?" + +"All but Billy Gordon. He has gone off in the launch to keep an eye on +the shore." + +"Then that is his boat out there. Get in here. I am worried that Harriet +is still out." + +Just then a soft "hoo-e-e-e" from the bushes on the opposite side of the +stream, told them that Harriet Burrell had returned. She had been out on +a scouting expedition. Hazel rowed over to the other side of the creek. +Harriet jumped aboard. Jane, in excited whispers, told her that the boys +were coming and that Billy was out in the launch. + +"I know. I saw him just a few moments ago. What are their plans?" + +Crazy Jane explained what she had been able to hear when she was +observing the Tramp Club's camp. She had seen Larry pick up Harriet's +handkerchief, though she was not aware that it was Harriet's. + +"That is where I lost it, is it?" laughed Harriet. "It is all right. +That will encourage them. If they go on beyond here they will find other +evidences that will lead them still further on. You see I wanted to get +them as far away from home as possible so as to keep them out after +dark." + +Hazel manipulated the rowboat until they were in the deep shadows of the +rocks, after which they climbed aboard the "Red Rover." Harriet +explained her plans to her companions and directed them to keep as quiet +as possible in case any of the searchers should come that way. The girls +had pulled the houseboat into the secret retreat on the previous night. +They had kept a watchful eye on the boys all the morning, to see what +they were planning to do, and Jane had given the lads the creeps by +uttering wild, weird cries in the depths of the forest. + +Harriet and Jane cooked themselves something to eat. They had been out +for a long time and were hungry. Their companions and guardian were +sitting about chatting with them. Miss Elting was of the opinion that +they were much better off in their hiding place than at an anchorage out +in the lake, always provided that their enemy did not find them out. +Harriet agreed with her, but thought they would be in a serious +situation if their unknown enemy were to find them. He had shown +evidences of keenness that made the finding of the "Red Rover" appear to +be a simple task for him. That he would annoy them further, the girls +were positive; that he already had located them was more than possible. + +Splash! + +Their conversation was suddenly checked. A stone had dropped but a few +feet from the rear end of the "Red Rover," falling into the creek. +Harriet laid a finger on her lips. Tommy had started to speak, but +checked herself in time. Harriet and Jane crept to the door of the +houseboat and peered out. As they did so a second splash startled them. +This time they saw the stone. It was a good-sized rock. It fell some +feet below the rear end of the "Red Rover." Some one was sounding the +thick growth there. Who it was, they discovered a moment later. + +"There's water down there, but it's shallow. I can tell by the splash," +announced a voice above them. + +"It's George," whispered Jane. + +"I'll take a look along the shore on my way back. There may be an inlet +that we haven't seen," continued George Baker, talking to himself. + +Jane gripped an arm of her companion. + +"If he does, we shall be discovered," she whispered. + +"Never mind. We will have scared them off long before then. He will +strike the trail I left for them, before long, if he keeps straight on. +That will mean that he will go right on and that he will call to the +others to join him when it begins to get dark. You know the island +begins to narrow a short distance beyond here. Won't it be funny to see +them following that trail? And what a surprise they will get before they +have finished with this day's work." Harriet chuckled. She had been +whispering. She paused suddenly as a pebble rattled down within a foot +of the stern of the "Red Rover." + +"They're getting rather close," whispered Jane. + +"Captain Baker kicked that pebble down. He is going away. Do you hear +him?" George was whistling to himself as he tramped away toward the +other end of the island. They heard him call to his companions shortly +after that and shout some directions to them. Then nothing more was +heard from the boys for the rest of the afternoon. + +The girls discussed the situation with Miss Elting. The guardian decided +that all the girls save one should remain on board the scow. One, she +agreed, might go out to reconnoitre. If the boys returned before dark it +would be well to know about it. Their further plans depended upon the +immediate actions of the Tramp Club. Harriet was the one who was chosen +to keep watch of their rivals. + +She began at once to make her preparations, tying her hair in a tight +knot on top of her head and drawing a waterproof bathing cap over all. + +"I am going to protect my hair," she smiled in answer to the unspoken +question in the eyes of her companion. "Those bushes pull out a few +strands every time I go scouting among them. I'll imitate the sound +that a crow makes if I see them coming back," she added. "No one must go +out in the meantime. All we can do is to keep quiet and wait. We've +already won the camera. We will have our fun when night comes, however, +and if we don't give those boys the fright of their lives I shall be +keenly disappointed." + +"Which way shall you come back?" asked Jane. + +"The way we came in. Don't have the boat wait for me down there. If I +have to come back in a hurry I will wade. Meadow-Brook Girls aren't +afraid of the water, you know." + +"We know," answered Miss Elting, smiling, "but be careful that you don't +fall and hurt yourself. Good-bye. I will have the sheets and other +things ready by the time you return. We have the poles here. I do hope +we get an opportunity to use the stuff now that we have been at so much +pains to get it ready. You see, I am just as anxious to play this trick +as the rest of you girls." + +Harriet laughed merrily at the prospect of the coming fun, then stepped +out into the rowboat that Hazel had pulled close to the stern of the +houseboat. A few moments later Hazel left her companion on the west bank +at the lower end of the little stream. Harriet slipped away through the +bushes almost noiselessly. If everything worked smoothly the Tramp Club +were to receive an overwhelming surprise. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +JANE PLAYS EAVESDROPPER + + +Two hours later the Meadow-Brook Girls were startled to hear a voice +directly over their heads call: + +"Girls, girls." + +"Who is it?" asked Miss Elting cautiously. + +"It's I. I'm up here, right where we heard George Baker talking this +morning." + +"You nearly thcared me to death!" gasped Tommy. + +"Speak more quietly, please," warned Harriet. "Jane, I wish you would +come up here. No; I'm not going to take you far. I want you within reach +of the boat." + +"Do you see anything of the boys, Harriet?" asked Miss Elting. + +"No, but I hear them occasionally. They are quite a distance ahead, +traveling fast, and ought to be back long before dark." + +Jane lost no time in hurrying to the lower end of the creek in order to +join her friend. Harriet lay on the rocks, at a point where she could +not see the water, and there Jane joined her. + +"What I want you to do," Harriet explained in whispers, at the same time +on the alert for sound or sign of the boys, "is to stay here, or not far +from here, so that you can warn the girls in case I signal by making a +cawing noise like a crow. I don't want the girls to make too much noise, +for it would spoil our fun if the boys should discover our hiding +place." + +"But how am I going to get back if I have to do so in a hurry?" + +"Can you go down a rope?" + +"Show me the rope that I can't go down," boasted Jane. + +"How about this one?" smiled Harriet, producing a coil of quarter inch +manila rope. + +"Well, it's small, but I'll try it. Where do you wish me to climb?" + +"I'll show you. Take hold of my feet and don't you dare let go. I surely +shall break my neck if you do." Harriet crawled over the edge, Jane +grasping her by the ankles to prevent her from falling. Then Harriet +tied one end of the rope to a root of a tree that stood on the brink. +"Look out below!" she warned, at the same time dropping the coil through +the foliage and shaking the rope until the coil finally dropped into the +stream. "Please draw the rope up to the boat," she called. "That's it. +Now pull me back, Jane." + +Jane McCarthy did so with some assistance from Harriet, who clawed at +the roots of the tree and pushed with her hands until she finally got to +the top once more. Reaching there she got up and surveyed the work with +approval. + +"Can you see the rope, Jane?" + +Miss McCarthy shook her head. + +"If you have to go down it be careful that you don't fall before you get +to the rope. Now do you understand?" + +"Do I? This is going to be great fun. Won't the boys be surprised when +we play our great trick on them?" + +"Provided they do not surprise us first," answered Harriet. + +"Where are you going?" + +"To follow George Baker's trail for a time. I can't tell beyond that +what I shall do. It will depend upon circumstances. Remember the signal. +I'm off now." + +Jane watched Harriet slip away. There was undisguised admiration in the +eyes of Jane McCarthy. Not a sound could she hear from her companion, so +silently did the latter move away. After Harriet had gone, Jane called +down to her friends that she was going to move from the spot and that +they should keep quiet. + +The hours passed slowly for Jane. She was too active to care to sit down +calmly and wait when there were things to be done, so Jane decided that +she too would explore a little on her own account. She started slowly, +edging down nearer to the shore, thus taking a different course from +that followed by her companion, toward the upper end of the island. + +Jane had been gone about an hour when she heard voices directly ahead of +her. She glanced about in quest of a safe hiding place. Not knowing +exactly the direction that was being followed by those whose voices she +had heard, she decided to run toward home. A shout from behind her at +that juncture told her that at least one of the party had gotten between +her and the hiding place of the "Red Rover." + +Without an instant's hesitation Crazy Jane ran to a low, bushy tree and +climbed up in its foliage with almost the quickness of a cat. Her +clothes suffered, but she did not care. Her sole desire now was to get +out of sight as quickly as possible. She would never forgive herself if +she were to be the means of their being discovered. As yet she had heard +no warning cry from Harriet Burrell. + +Jane had hardly secreted herself in the foliage of the tree when another +hail sounded between her tree and home. + +"Is that you, boys?" It was the voice of George Baker. + +"Yes," answered Sam. "What's up?" + +George made his way toward them. Jane could hear him forcing his way +through the bushes. + +The two parties met in an open space a short distance from the tree that +held Jane. She was straining every muscle to get a glimpse of them. + +"Some one has been along here since I passed," declared George. "I found +a footprint in the moss over there, and it was a woman's." + +"So did we find the same thing," answered Larry. "There's something +queer about this whole island. I feel spooky all the time. Did you hear +any one?" + +"No." + +"Well, I did. Some one threw a stone at me. It dropped right at my +feet." + +Jane giggled softly. Harriet had been playing tricks on them. She +wondered where Harriet was. Jane would have given the signal, but dared +not do so. In the first place she was not sure that she could imitate a +crow so as to deceive a person, and in the second place the boys were +too close to her to run any chances. + +"They are here, all right, boys," cried George. "I was certain of it all +the time." + +"It may be spooks," answered Larry Goheen. + +"Well, just let them come out. I guess we can take care of any spooks +that we shall find on this island. But we must get busy again. It will +soon be dark. Spread out, fellows. I'll tell you what we'll do. Taking +that tree there for a centre"--waving toward the tree occupied by Crazy +Jane McCarthy--"we will circle about, making the circle larger each time +we start out." + +"Wait. I'll climb the tree and take a look around," interjected Sam. He +started for the tree. His hands had grasped it ere Jane realized that +hers was the tree meant. For once in her life Crazy Jane McCarthy was at +a loss to proceed. She did not know what to do. But George unknowingly +came to her rescue. + +"Never mind the tree. It's too low. You can't get high enough to look +over the tops of the bushes. You come along as I suggested." + +"How ever am I going to get out of this?" muttered Jane. "Won't Harriet +be cross when she finds I've quit my post and gone out on my own +responsibility?" Her further reflections were interrupted by a loud +"caw, caw, caw!" + +"What's that?" cried Larry in alarm. + +"It's a crow, you tenderfoot," jeered George. "Didn't you ever hear one +before?" + +"Harriet!" exclaimed Jane under her breath. "She has discovered where +the boys are. She's giving me warning and I dare not answer her. What +shall I do?" + +"Yes, I have heard crows, but I never heard a crow with a voice like +that," answered Larry. "I'll bet it's no more crow than I am." + +Once more the crow cawed. This time the bird's voice sounded much +farther away. Jane reasoned it out when she said to herself that Harriet +had probably turned her head away or else had cawed in a lower tone to +deceive the boys, who were now moving rapidly away, making as many +circles as there were boys in the party. + +Jane dared not get down from the tree, but she began moving about, +seeking a better position from which she might look the ground over. If +the boys got far enough away she might try to run, but then there was +the probability of meeting their rivals, no matter which way she sought +to escape. + +[Illustration: Jane Dared Not Get Down From the Tree.] + +The crow cawed again. + +"I tell you that isn't a crow," shouted Larry. + +"Go on, go on!" called George. + +Jane listening intently, concentrating her attention on what was being +said, rather than what she was doing, lost her footing. She grasped +frantically for a limb and caught one. But the limb did not hold. It +snapped and came away in her hand. + +Crash! She landed on a bunch of small limbs and branches. She went right +on through them, tearing off leaves with frantic hands in her efforts to +get hold of something that would stop her progress. The foliage checked +her fall a little, but not sufficiently to prevent her falling the rest +of the way. + +A yell from Larry Goheen, an answering shout from George, and another +from Sam, told that the boys had heard the fall. They began running +toward the tree, with shouts of triumph. + +"We've got somebody," yelled George. "Look sharp, fellows." + +"I'm on the job," howled Sam. + +"Get clubs. It may be a spook," howled Larry. + +The Tramp Club surrounded the tree, keeping their formation as well as +possible, not forgetting that their prey might slip away from them did +they not guard all sides. As yet they did not now who or what that prey +was. A moment later they halted with exclamations of surprise. + +Directly beneath the tree in which Jane McCarthy had been hiding stood a +man. He was dark and swarthy, with high cheek bones and jet black hair. +He was an Indian half-breed. The fellow stood scowling, regarding the +boys with angry eyes. Broken limbs and scattered leaves showed where +Jane McCarthy had fallen from the tree, and broken bushes also showed +where she had floundered after reaching the ground. + +The Tramp Club gazed at the scowling face of the half-breed in +speechless amazement. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +A DOUBLE SURPRISE + + +"Who you?" growled the strange man. + +"We--we--" began Larry. + +"I beg your pardon, sir. You aren't the person we were seeking," +apologized George Baker. + +"Who you look for?" + +"Oh, a friend of ours. I am sorry if I disturbed you. Were you up in +that tree?" demanded George, a sudden thought occurring to him. He +wondered if this questionable-looking half-breed had been up there while +they were holding their conference a short time before that. + +The fellow made no reply. He stood regarding them with inquiring, +suspicious eyes until the boys grew restless under his scrutiny. + +"Well, you needn't look at us that way," declared George, flushing under +the steady, disconcerting gaze of the stranger. "We don't know you and +you don't know us, and I guess you don't own the island. Come on, +fellows." + +The boys started away, trudging thoughtfully towards home. As for Jane +McCarthy, the instant she reached the ground, she had scrambled to her +feet and darted into the bushes, where she threw herself on the ground, +breathing heavily, waiting for what might come. What did come amazed +her. She saw the man dash up and glance hurriedly about him. It was +evident that her fall had attracted his attention, and that he had run +to the tree, hoping to catch some one. Gazing at him through the bushes, +the girl decided that he must be an Indian. She gazed at him long and +earnestly, forgetting for the moment her own precarious position. + +Then the boys came. The half-breed stood scowling after them as they +hurried away. At this juncture the "caw" of a crow was heard again. He +started slightly, bent his head and listened, but there was no +repetition of the signal, for which Crazy Jane McCarthy was devoutly +thankful. It was plain that he knew it was not a crow, that he +understood it to be a signal of some sort. + +The half-breed suddenly turned, starting toward the shore of the lake at +a brisk pace, worming his way through the bushes with almost no +disturbance at all, even at the swift pace he was keeping up. + +Jane had lost her fear now. The boys had gone on out of sight and sound +and the intruder was hurrying toward the lake. The girl, however, did +not dare to run. She feared to meet the Indian, so she crept along +cautiously. It was but a short distance to the shore of the lake. She +reached there after having followed the Indian's trail. Jane was just in +time to see the fellow launching a canoe. It was a dark green boat, +showing long and hard usage. + +The fellow leaped in and sent the boat well out into the lake with a +single stroke of the paddle, after which he glided up the lake, keeping +close in shore under the partial protection of the foliage. Fortunately +Jane had thrown herself down again immediately on seeing him, else he +might have caught sight of her. That he was a man experienced in the +woods, as well as on the water, was plain to be seen. She watched him +out of sight, then hurried back to the spot where she had met with +disaster and gave the crow signal. It was not much of a success. She +repeated it and did better. Jane called several times. Then she jumped +clear off the ground at the sound of a voice behind her. + +"Jane McCarthy! What are you doing here?" + +"Harriet!" + +"Yes, it's I. But what on earth have you been doing?" + +"Di--did you see the man?" gasped Jane. + +"Wait a moment. I don't understand you. What is it about a man?" + +"I--I was in the tree there when the boys came back. I heard them coming +and climbed the tree to hide." + +"I was doing the same thing." + +"I--I fell out of the tree--" + +"Gracious! They didn't discover you, did they? I heard them shouting and +running, and wondered what they had discovered." + +"No. I dived into those bushes and lay down. Just then a man appeared. +He looked to me like an Indian. He is a dangerous man, Harriet. When the +boys came up and found him standing here you ought to have seen the +expressions on their faces. Oh, it was funny." + +"Which way did he go?" questioned Harriet eagerly. She was not laughing +now. Another idea had occurred to her. + +"Down to the lake. I followed him and saw him get into his canoe and +paddle away." + +"A canoe, did you say?" + +"Yes. It was an old thing, but, my goodness, how it could go! And the +man paddled without making a sound. I never saw any one handle a canoe +like that." + +Harriet gazed at her companion, the lines of her face contracting. + +"Jane," she said, "I saw that man myself. It was the night I rowed out +to see who was making camp near us. He shot out ahead of me in his canoe +and disappeared. I must have disturbed him." + +"But who--what?" gasped Jane. + +"I believe he is the man who has been following us and trying to drive +us away. I can't think of any other reason for his acting as he has. He +undoubtedly knows that we are somewhere about, and has been looking for +us just as the boys themselves have been doing." + +"Good gracious," muttered Crazy Jane. "I'm sorry I didn't stay on the +boat." + +"And I am glad you did not. You surely have discovered something. Would +you know the man if you were to see him again?" + +"Yes." + +"Then we will see if we can't discover him again. I believe we are +getting near to a solution of the enemy that has been following us. +Either we must settle him or he will do us some injury. I am glad the +boys saw him, too. I am going to suggest to Miss Elting that we go back +to our old anchorage to-morrow. To-day we have other plans on hand. And +that reminds me. It is getting dark and it is time we were getting back +to the boat. We will go down the rope when we reach there. Come." + +The two girls hurried along, keeping a sharp lookout, not knowing but +that the boys might be lying in wait for them. They reached the rocks +above the houseboat. All was quiet below. Jane went down the rope first, +landing in the creek. Harriet did the same, and none of their companions +discovered either of them until Jane had climbed aboard the boat and +appeared dripping before them. + +"Here we are, girls," laughed Jane. + +"Did you discover anything?" asked Miss Elting eagerly. + +"We did." + +"Tell us what happened," urged the guardian. + +"The boys found the false trail we made, as well as the one we did not +wish them to find. They nearly discovered Jane, too. She sat in a tree +while they made their plans nearby. Then Jane fell out of the tree." + +The girls shouted. + +"And what do you think?" continued Harriet. "The boys were only a short +distance away. They hurried to the scene, and when they got there they +found--" + +"Jane," finished Tommy. + +"No. A man. A half-breed from what Jane says. He went away in a canoe. +He did not see her." + +Miss Elting regarded Harriet reflectively. + +"Yes, I think it was the same one," said Harriet in answer to the +guardian's unspoken question. "It is evident that our presence here is +suspected by others than the Tramps. I would suggest that we carry out +our plans to-night, then move away from here to-morrow." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +SPOOKS OF THE LONESOME ISLE + + +"Yes, I know the way. I could go there blindfolded," answered Harriet, +in reply to a question from Miss Elting. + +The hour was nine o'clock in the evening. The night was very dark, +though the stars were shining. It had been decided that Margery and +Tommy should remain on board the "Red Rover," putting out all lights and +locking the doors, though no anxiety was felt about them, as there was +scarcely a chance that their presence would be discovered, provided the +girls remained quiet. + +The paraphernalia for the evening's enterprise was carefully loaded into +the rowboat; then, with final admonitions to Tommy and Margery to keep +silent and not be afraid, the party set out in the rowboat for the +entrance of the creek. They paused there long enough to make certain +that no one was about, after which they rowed along the shore a short +distance and made a landing at a point where the ground was fairly +level. + +"Now be very quiet," whispered Harriet. "Remember the signal to return +to the boat is one long caw. Two caws in quick succession mean 'hurry.'" + +"We shan't be far apart, shall we?" questioned Hazel, somewhat +apprehensively. + +"No. Within speaking distance," replied Miss Elting. "Leave it to +Harriet and Jane to make the first advance. We will follow when the time +is right. It is fortunate that we left Tommy and Margery at home. Are +you ready, Harriet?" + +It was a silent party of four shadowy figures that made its way +cautiously along the shore of the island for some little distance. The +party then turned sharply to the right and disappeared among the bushes +that marked a slight rise of ground. Reaching this rise they turned to +the left and once more proceeded straight ahead. + +The lights of a campfire were soon distinguishable between the trees. +The party was nearing the camp of the Tramp Club. The time to prepare +for their final triumph was at hand. + +"Now, Harriet," urged Miss Elting in a half whisper. + +"Yes. I will go around to the other side of the camp. That will be the +most difficult position to get away from, so I am choosing it for +myself. Jane, you will remain here, while Miss Elting and Hazel will +take a position halfway between us. You see that will enable us +practically to surround the camp. After you hear me, wait a moment, then +give them a thriller." + +Harriet, accompanied by the guardian and Hazel, stepped promptly away. +After going on for some distance, the girl directed Miss Elting and +Hazel to stop and remain where they were, except that they were to +separate, yet keep within easy call of each other. This detail arranged, +Harriet went on. + +According to previous arrangement, Jane, Miss Elting and Hazel gradually +crept nearer to the camp, continuing until they could make out the +figures of the boys quite plainly. The latter were sitting about the +campfire. Their attitude was one of dejection. They had been outwitted +and they knew it. + +"If we don't find those girls to-night, then to-morrow morning we'll get +out of here," announced George. "They know that they have won and we'll +let them come and tell us so rather than hunt all summer for them." + +"What about that half-breed?" asked Sam. "I think we'd better find out +who he is. I didn't like the looks of that fellow a little bit." + +"Neither did I," agreed George. "Queer we never saw him around here +before." + +"You must remember this is a large lake," Billy informed them. "He +probably is a fisherman who hangs out on the island, and who resented +our encroaching upon his preserves. I think I saw the same fellow once +in a canoe, but he was so far away that I don't think I would know him +were we to meet face to face." + +"There are too many mysterious things on this island," averred Larry +Goheen, with emphasis. "I, for one, shall be glad to get away from it. I +know there are spooks here." + +"Spooks!" jeered George. "Who's afraid of spooks? Who--" George's voice +trailed off almost into a whisper. "I heard something," he exclaimed. + +"So did I," added Larry, nodding. + +A laugh, a distinctly human laugh, shrill and mocking, was wafted to +them. The boys gazed questioningly at each other. Larry glanced about +apprehensively. Then out of the night came the most weird, most +demoniacal laugh any member of the Tramp Club ever had heard. + +The boys sprang to their feet. + +Other laughs, accompanied by shrieks, followed each other in quick +succession. The laughs seemed to come from all quarters. It was +difficult to say from just what particular point any one of them did +come. + +"Spooks!" yelled Larry Goheen, bolting toward the lake. Billy caught and +jerked him back. + +"No, you don't," growled Billy. "We stand together." + +"I don't want to stay here," chattered Larry. "I never try to fool +people with fake courage when I know that running is my one best course +to pursue." + +"Is there a lunatic asylum in this part of the country?" asked Baker. +"Can it be possible that any of the inmates have escaped." + +Billy Gordon shook his head. "Nothing as easy as that," he sighed. + +"Great Scott! There it goes again!" breathed Larry. "It's down that way, +too," pointing in the direction taken by Harriet Burrell. + +It was a long, weird wail, well calculated to freeze the marrow in one's +bones. + +"Come on, fellows!" cried George, with a fine showing of resolution. +"We'll lay that ghost!" + +George was the only one of the boys who thought to snatch up a club as +he ran. But now the unearthly sounds came from the rear, instead of +ahead of them. The boys wheeled abruptly, only to hear right in front of +them a dismaying chorus of ghostly noises. + +"Let's go!" urged Larry. "It's surely a lot of banshees!" + +"Great Scott! Look!" quivered Sam, pointing with trembling finger. + +In the faint light the boys made out a white figure that might have been +anywhere from seven to ten feet in height. The boys were too scared to +judge of length. The awful thing raised its draped arms, a frightful +scream sounding on the air. + +At that Billy lost his grip on Larry's arm. Goheen made no apologies, +but made a straight, swift dash for camp. + +The other boys hesitated for a few brief seconds; then they, too, headed +for camp. They were not exactly running. They were leaping like as many +frightened rabbits, fleeing from a rabbit hound. In their haste they +lost their way and were proceeding directly toward the spot where Jane +McCarthy was standing. + +Jane finally heard them coming. She was filled with glee. She had feared +that she was not to have an opportunity to play an important part in +this ghost party. Making a noise like a ghost did not wholly satisfy +Crazy Jane McCarthy. What she wanted was something more exciting. Her +opportunity came very quickly. The boys were nearly up to her, ere she +realized that they were so close. + +A wild wail halted them. + +"Come on, you fellows!" yelled George to his faltering companions. + +"There it is!" howled Sam. + +He had espied another figure that looked exactly like the first ghost. +George discovered it at about the same time. George made a brave rush +toward the figure, yelling to frighten it. But Crazy Jane was not easily +frightened. She advanced slowly, waving the long, draped arms, and +moaning. All at once something came down on the head of George Baker, +just as he had raised his club to hurl it at the ghost. The something +was a long tough stick in the hand of Jane McCarthy. + +George uttered a howl and sprang back. The ghost advanced on him. Billy +got a light tap, then Sam yelled as something damp brushed his cheek. +He did not know that it was the leaf of a bush. He thought it the cold, +clammy hand of the ghost. + +The boys having gotten more than they had looked for, began to retreat. +Sam was the first after Larry to run. He did so with all speed, followed +closely by George and Billy. They were confused. They did not know just +where the camp was located. Glancing over their shoulders they saw that +the ghost was pursuing them. The boys began to shout anew, and to run +even at greater speed. + +"There's some more of them," howled Sam. + +"Yeow!" yelled George. He sprang to the left, in which direction he +believed the camp lay, then he halted. Another ghost was confronting +him. George hesitated. The ghost uttered a moan. The brave George Baker, +captain of the Tramp Club, took to his heels. The others did the same, +except that each took a different direction. Wherever they ran they were +followed by moans and screams, principally from the lips of Crazy Jane +McCarthy. + +It seemed to their excited imaginations that the woods were full of +ghosts of giant stature, with voices capable of making one's hair stand +on end. The worst of it was that the ghosts persisted in pursuing them. +They chased the brave Tramp Club right into camp, where the lads +arrived one by one. Instead of stopping the boys bolted for the launch, +in which the frightened Larry Goheen already had sought safety. + +"Cast off," yelled George, the last to leap into the boat. + +The launch was shoved from the shore and allowed to drift while the boys +sat shivering, listening to the wails from the forest. + +"Good-bye," answered Sam. + +"Fellows, we are all cowards," declared George, beginning to get control +of himself. "We should have staid and knocked them out." + +"I'll go back, if you say so," answered Billy promptly. + +"No. I've got enough of this place. To-morrow morning we break camp and +go back to the other camping place. No more ghost parties for mine." + +"As long as we have decided to move why not go now," suggested Larry. + +The boys discussed the matter briefly, then decided that they would. Sam +was put on guard to watch for the return of the ghosts while the others +hurriedly broke camp. But there were no more ghostly moans nor ghostly +intruders that night. + +The ghosts in the persons of the Meadow-Brook Girls were on their way to +their rowboat. Beaching it they sat down and laughed until their eyes +were wet with tears. + +"It was a mean trick to play on them," gasped Miss Elting. "But I think +we have more than won our wager. It is a wonder that they didn't suspect +us." + +"There goes a boat!" cried Jane. "It's a launch." + +"It is the boys. We have frightened them off," answered Miss Elting. + +The girls rowed quickly home, but ere they had reached the entrance to +the secret creek they were startled by the sound of a shrill scream. +They recognized the voice as Tommy's and began to shout, and to row with +all their might. A moment later, just as they were about to turn into +the opening with their boat, a canoe shot out and darted across their +bows, disappearing in the darkness. + +"A man, a man!" yelled Tommy as Harriet shouted to know if the two girls +were all right. Tommy threw open the door and in her excitement walked +off the after deck of the "Red Rover" and fell forward into the stream. + +"Jane, do you recognize that man?" cried Harriet excitedly. + +"Yes," exclaimed Jane, "he's the man I saw this afternoon, and he's our +mysterious enemy too, or my name's not Jane McCarthy." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +ON A STORMY CRUISE + + +It was late on the following forenoon when the Meadow-Brook Girls might +have been observed towing the "Red Rover" out from the creek in which it +had been anchored. They decided that it was high time to leave. + +During their absence, and while they were frightening the Tramp Club +with sheets draped over sticks and carried high above their heads, Tommy +and Margery had been having an exciting experience. They had been +anxiously peering out of the cabin, when after an hour or so they +discovered a canoe approaching the scow. At first they thought it one of +their own party who was paddling the canoe. They soon discovered that it +was a man. The girls were too frightened to do more than watch him in +almost breathless silence. But when the man climbed aboard the after +deck, after satisfying himself that the boat was deserted, they decided +that it was time to move. + +Tommy uttered a scream. Margery followed suit and their cries had been +heard by the returning ghost party. The man did not tarry to see who had +screamed. He sprang into the creek, where, pushing his canoe ahead of +him, he ran down the stream. He had then leaped in and had given the +paddle the first swift sweep when discovered by Harriet and her party. + +Miss Elting was really alarmed when she heard their story. She decided +to sit up all night and watch. Jane and Harriet kept watch with her. +They did not retire until daylight, after which they got a few hours of +sleep. Then came a late breakfast and the preparations for departure. +They were going back to the other side of the lake, where they intended +to tie up at their old anchorage near the main camp of the Tramp Club. + +After dragging the houseboat out and finding a suitable anchorage, +Harriet rowed over to the mainland. Running up to the farmhouse she +telephoned to the nearest town for a launch to come down and give them a +tow. Billy Gordon and his motor boat were not on hand for the purpose +this morning. + +When about eleven o'clock a launch came down the coast in search of them +the wind had risen and the lake was rough. It was an old boat and did +not look as though it could stand much weather. The man running the boat +said there was rather a stiff sea on the other side of the island, but +he thought he could make it. Miss Elting said she would give him five +dollars if he would take them across. He made fast to the "Red Rover" +and started. + +Once they had rounded the island they did not think the waves would be +very high. Being protected by a point of land they did not get the full +force of the wind. Nor did they realize what a chance they had taken +until they had gotten well out into the lake. There the gale struck them +with full force. Harriet grew really alarmed. She feared the "Red Rover" +was not strong enough to stand up under it. Margery was seasick and the +others also felt the effects of the gale. + +The "Red Rover" was now pitching more violently than ever. Jane was +gazing at the launch wide-eyed, expecting every moment to see it take a +dive, not to come up again. Everything movable in the "Red Rover's" +cabin was being hurled about. The oil stove long since had tipped over, +glass was being smashed, dishes broken, pieces of each of these were +rattling over the floor. Miss Elting decided that they would be better +off outside. + +Harriet protested against their going on the upper deck, saying that +they might be blown off into the lake. Jane was protecting herself by +clinging to a rope. The awning suddenly ballooned and went up into the +air, taking some of the awning posts with it. Miss Elting had no +further desire to go up on deck after that. With her charges she kept +close to the deck house, where they shielded themselves from the wind as +much as possible. + +"He's turning round," shouted Jane, with hands to lips. + +"Don't let him. He will upset us." + +Jane yelled at the man in the launch, who--not daring to brave the seas +any longer, was slowly turning his launch about. He shook his head, +evidently thinking she was ordering him to continue. Seeing that her +words were of no avail, Crazy Jane leaped down to the forward deck and +casting the tow line from the cleat, flung it out on the water. + +"Hook on the other end and tow us back if you want to. Don't you know +better than to turn us around in all this storm?" she yelled. + +The boatman ran up to the stern where Harriet was doing her best to keep +the boat's head to the wind, but was slowly losing ground. She motioned +to him to keep off and beckoned to him to cast the tow line to her so +she could make it fast at that end. Harriet had forgotten that there was +no rudder at the other end. But the boatman persisted in getting up +close to the houseboat. All at once what Harriet had feared did happen. +The launch was picked up on a heavy swell and hurled against the +houseboat. There followed the sound of crunching woodwork. The launch +began to fill with water. + +"Jump!" shouted Captain Harriet. "You're sinking." + +The boatman clung to his craft a moment longer, then leaped into the +lake. He was not a good swimmer, but fortunately the waves were rolling +toward the houseboat, carrying him in that direction. Harriet had +dropped the tiller and was watching him narrowly. There was no rope +ready, the one that usually lay at hand having been lost with the +launch, which slowly settled in the water, then disappeared. + +The girl saw that the man was likely to be hurled against the side of +the houseboat. She snatched up a boathook and when he came within reach +thrust it out to him. + +"Hold steady until that wave passes, then I'll pull you in," she called. +The blow from the waves took nearly all the breath out of the man, but +as soon as it had passed, Harriet hauled him quickly aboard. + +Miss Elting reported that the "Red Rover" was leaking, that the launch +had crushed in a plank on the side. + +"Stuff clothing in the hole," ordered Jane. "Here you, Mr. Man, please +go in there and see if you can't nail up the broken place. You've got +to do something or you'll never set foot on land again." + +Off in the camp of the Tramp Club there was great excitement. The boys +had discovered the craft laboring in the heavy sea, and as it drew +nearer to their side of the lake, they discovered that it was none other +than the "Red Rover." + +"They're in trouble, boys. Billy, will your boat stand it?" asked +George. + +"As long as we can keep the water out of her." + +"Then let's get aboard. No, you fellows stay here. There's a load of +them out there to fetch back if we ever get close enough to take them +off." + +The motors were working, but no sooner had the two boys gotten clear of +the little pier at their camp than the engines suddenly stopped and the +boat drifted back. + +"There's a short circuit somewhere," called Billy. "Hold her. I'll find +it and we'll be going very shortly." + +"Hurry, Billy! They're in an awful mess over there," urged George. + +It seemed as though the "Red Rover" must be torn to pieces. The boat was +now drifting broadside to the waves. Every large wave would break +against the side, then leap clear over the boat. Every wave seemed +powerful enough to crush in the sides. But they came out dripping, +glistening red after each onslaught. The boatman had succeeded in +patching the rent caused by the collision, but the upper deck was +leaking in many places. The "Red Rover" had been strained almost to the +breaking-up point. It was now fairly wallowing in the foaming sea +dashing against its weather side. Harriet had given up trying to do +anything with the rudder. She could not keep the bow of the boat around +to the seas. It persisted in lying broadside on, where it took the full +force of the waves. + +"There comes a boat," cried Jane, who had been on the upper deck, waving +a sheet as a signal that they were in distress. All hands peered toward +the mainland. They saw a launch making slow progress toward them. The +little boat seemed to be standing with her bow in the air most of the +time. First it would rear then plunge. As it neared them they saw that +it was Billy Gordon's boat, bearing himself and George Baker. + +"Cast a line! I don't dare get near," shouted Billy when close enough to +make his voice heard. + +"We haven't any. Cast your own," answered Harriet. + +George did the casting. He failed three times but on the fourth cast +Harriet caught the line and quickly made it fast to a cleat at the +forward end being nearly swept overboard in the effort. The "Red Rover" +straightened out on her course. For a moment the launch seemed to be +losing ground rather than gaining, then slowly it began to pick up and +shortly after that was making slow progress toward shore. + +There were many spectators to that battle, none of whom believed that +either launch or houseboat, ever would reach the land. Other boats +refused to venture out in such a gale. Even the big boats remained tied +up. So much water was taken aboard by the launch that George was fully +occupied in bailing. A piece of oilcloth had been thrown over the +engines and battery coils to keep these from getting soaked and thus +causing a stoppage of the engine. + +For two hours did launch and houseboat labor through the seas, fighting +every inch of the way. Harriet's arms ached from handling the tiller. +She was wet to the skin but clung steadily to her work. The boatman was +kept inside to watch for and stop leaks, of which there were many before +the voyage came to an end. At last the "Red Rover" slipped into +comparatively calm water, amid a chorus of yells from the boys on shore. +George got up and waved his cap to the girls. They answered the salute +with three cheers, then Billy pulled the scow up to her former +anchorage, and in a few moments she lay rolling easily in a moderate +swell, safe, though considerably strained from her wild voyage across a +lake that many larger and more seaworthy boats would have hesitated to +brave. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +CONCLUSION + + +It was late in the evening when some sort of order had been restored in +the cabin of the "Red Rover." The boys had turned to and worked like +Trojans, helping to get the water out of the boat, to mend broken places +and throw the broken dishes overboard. + +When all was done Miss Elting served a luncheon to them, mostly canned +stuff, all the other food having been ruined in the voyage across the +lake. It was during the luncheon that she made a confession for herself +and companions. She told the Tramp Club how they had dressed up in white +sheets and chased the boys from the island; how they had hidden in the +cave with their boat; how Jane had discovered the half-breed and +narrowly missed a double discovery herself. + +"And now," concluded Miss Elting, "that is the way we played our tricks. +Perhaps we won the contest but after your bravery to-day we feel that +far greater honors are due to you boys." + +The boys, whose faces had flushed during the recital, now broke into a +hearty laugh. + +"That's the best joke ever played on a bunch of fellows," cried Billy. +"And you've won the wager fairly enough. You don't need to apologize for +the ghosts. The trouble is we tried to play worse jokes on you, but you +turned them on us every time. If we got you out of the lake it was by +good luck, not because we were so awfully brave. I'll never brag about +bravery after last night. And now good night. You folks are tired and +want to go to bed. We'll see that you aren't disturbed this evening. You +don't think of working your disappearing act to-night, do you?" + +"No. We have had sufficient excitement for one day," answered Miss +Elting laughingly. "We are going to invite you over to dinner soon, then +we will have a happy good-bye party before we leave. By the way, boys, +we are going ashore in the morning on a shopping trip. As all of us wish +to go I am going to ask you if you will keep an eye on the 'Red Rover.' +There is very little possibility that our enemy will visit it in broad +daylight, still it is best to take proper precautions against further +attacks." + +"We'll be very glad to look out for the 'Red Rover' while you're away," +responded George heartily. "That is if you can assure us that you won't +try any new vanishing tricks." + +"We give you our solemn promise," laughed Harriet. "The 'Red Rover' has +played her last trick." + +Harriet's laughing assurance, however, was destined to prove truer than +she had dreamed. The next morning the girls rose early, and after a +hasty breakfast went ashore to do their shopping, secure in the thought +that the Tramp Club would keep an eye on the "Red Rover." + +In the meantime the boys had posted a watch on the shore, in the person +of Billy Gordon, who seated comfortably on the ground, his back against +a big tree, glanced frequently out over the lake to where the "Red +Rover" lay at anchor, her red sides glistening in the sun. + +It was well towards noon when Billy rose from the ground and strolled +lazily down to the beach. Suddenly his good-natured face took on a +startled look as he stared anxiously toward the houseboat. A moment +later he was running toward the tent at full speed. + +"Fellows, come out here!" he shouted. "Hurry up!" + +"What's the matter?" asked George Baker, hurrying out of the tent, the +other members of the Tramp Club at his heels. + +"Look!" gasped Billy, pointing toward the "Red Rover." "What do you make +of that?" + +"Why--why--" stammered George Baker. Then he uttered a sudden cry of +alarm. "By George, she's on fire. That scamp has sneaked in and set fire +to the boat under our very noses. I'm positive that he did it. Pile into +the launch with all the pails you can find and let's get out there. That +villain must have swum over, climbed aboard, and set fire to the side of +the boat away from the shore. That's why we didn't notice the smoke when +she first began to burn." + +By the time they were on their way toward the doomed houseboat the fire +had made tremendous headway. Being an old boat, the "Red Rover" burned +like kindling. It seemed to be fairly wrapped in flames. + +"It's no use," groaned George. "She'll be gone inside of the next five +minutes. We can't save the boat or anything on board. I'm thankful the +girls were all on shore. That villain must have watched them go, and +then swam out here. If he'd paddled out in his canoe this morning we'd +have seen him. Don't go too near her, fellows. She's likely to collapse +any minute." + +"Look out! She's going!" exclaimed Larry Goheen. A moment later the +whole top of the unwieldy boat fell in, while the flames attacked the +hull with renewed fury. + + * * * * * + +When the Meadow-Brook Girls returned to the shore of the lake, that +afternoon, well laden with the fruits of their shopping, they were met +by the members of the Tramp Club, who looked unduly solemn. One glance +at their grave faces and Harriet cried out apprehensively, "What on +earth has happened to you, boys?" + +"We're all right," stammered George, "but the 'Red Rover'--well, it +is--" + +The Meadow-Brook Girls all looked involuntarily in the direction of +where the "Red Rover" had lain that morning. + +"Why--why--where is our boat?" faltered Miss Elting. + +Then George poured forth the story of the morning's disaster, while the +girls listened in consternation to the recital of the way in which the +houseboat had been set fire to and sunk. + +"Of course that half-breed did it," concluded George, "and now that +we've told you all about it, we are going to start out after him. I'll +wager he's somewhere around this lake yet." + +"I shall go back to the village at once and put the matter in the hands +of the constable," declared Miss Elting. "I shall also see Dee +Dickinson. I hold him indirectly responsible for all the disagreeable +things that have happened to us, and for this, too." + +"Wait until to-night before you do anything about it," begged George. +"Give the Tramp Club a chance to distinguish themselves. If we don't get +our man by six o'clock to-night, then put the matter in the hands of the +authorities. In the meantime, won't you accept our hospitality for the +day? We offer you the use of our camp while we go out on a man hunt." + +After some further conversation Miss Elting reluctantly agreed to the +boys' plan, and after considerable mourning over the lost "Red Rover," +the girls settled themselves in the camp of the tramps to await the +return of the boys. + +"It looks as though we would have to go back to Meadow-Brook a little +sooner than we expected, girls," declared Miss Elting. + +"I'd rather go home than thtay around where there are crathy Indianth," +retorted Tommy. "Thuppothe we had been on that boat when it thank." + +"We wouldn't have been so foolish as to stay on it if it had been +sinking," laughed Harriet. "Besides all of us can swim. Our enemy took +good care to set fire to the boat when we weren't on it." + +"I wonder what his object is in persecuting us so," mused Hazel. "None +of us have ever harmed him." + +"Ask Dee Dickinson," advised Jane dryly. + +"We certainly shall do so, this very night," returned Miss Elting, with +compressed lips. + +Meanwhile the Tramp Club had pursued what bade fair to be a fruitless +quest. Search as they might they could find no trace of their quarry. +Late in the afternoon the launch reached the entrance to the hidden +creek where the "Red Rover" had recently lain snug and secure. + +"This is certainly an ideal hiding place," declared George, as he +scanned the bank on both sides. "I don't wonder--" + +He was interrupted by an excited shout from Larry, who had also been +keeping a sharp lookout. "There he goes!" he yelled. + +A long dark green canoe had shot out from under an overhanging ledge of +rock. The sole occupant was paddling with swift, noiseless strokes +toward the mouth of the creek, intent on reaching the lake and making +his escape. + +"It's the half-breed!" yelled Larry excitedly. + +"He's been hiding up here waiting for night to come. He thought that we +didn't know about this place. Now that we've hunted him down, he's +trying to make a quick get-away. Once out of the creek he can give us +the slip. Fellows, we've got to get him!" + +Billy, who was at the wheel, began backing the launch toward the mouth +of the creek. Not for an instant did the boys lose sight of their man, +and the moment the boat reached open water it was sent ahead at full +speed. Soon they began to gain on the fugitive, who was paddling with a +speed little short of marvelous. + +"Hold on there!" shouted George. "We've got you anyway. You might as +well surrender!" + +The man in the canoe refused to halt at command, but continued to paddle +desperately, until Billy deliberately ran him down. An instant later +George was holding on to their captive with an iron grip. + +"Shut down. I've got him!" he yelled. Billy obeyed, and the half-breed +was hauled into the launch, kicking and struggling furiously. + +"Get a rope," commanded George. "There's a coil of it in the bow of the +launch." + +Five minutes later the Indian was lying in the bottom of the boat tied +beyond all possibility of escape, and the boys were triumphantly +heading for camp. + +"We've got the Indian!" yelled Larry to the little group on shore as the +launch neared the landing in front of the Tramp Club's camp. + +"We've been watching for you," called Harriet. "We saw you when you were +away up the lake. Have you really got him?" + +"Indeed we have, and tied so that he'd have hard work getting away," +laughed Gordon. + +"What shall we do with him?" asked Larry as they bore the Indian ashore +in triumph. + +"Stand him up against that tree for the present," ordered George, then +grimly wound coil after coil of rope around the half-breed, securing him +with many a hard knot. At last George stood back to survey his work with +admiration. + +"I'd like to see even an Indian get out of that harness," Baker remarked +complacently. + +Harriet and Jane walked over to the tree and looked searchingly at the +captive. Both recognized him as the man they had seen while the "Red +Rover" lay hidden in the creek. + +"Larry and I are going up to the village at once to notify the +authorities," announced George. "We want to get rid of this fellow as +soon as possible." + +"And I am going with you," announced Miss Elting firmly, "to hunt up Mr. +Dee Dickinson. He knows all about this man and the time has arrived for +him to tell me the truth." + + * * * * * + +Dickinson at first refused flatly to give Miss Elting any satisfaction +concerning the Indian. + +"Then I shall have you arrested as a suspicious character, also," +declared Miss Elting sternly. "Unless you give me a full explanation of +this whole affair I shall have you taken in custody by the authorities. +Understand you are to tell me everything." + +Dickinson, however, seeing that Miss Elting would admit of no trifling, +decided that it would be better to make a clean breast of the matter. + +"The Indian's name is Charlie Lavaille," he began sullenly, "though he's +commonly called French Charlie. He makes a sort of living at fishing, +and he hired the houseboat from me." + +"Then you rented the boat to some one else, and afterwards turned it +over to us without letting us know?" asked Miss Elting. + +"He rented the houseboat after a fashion," Dickinson explained lamely, +"though he didn't pay any rent down, and hasn't paid a penny since. He +was going to pay me, he said, at the end of the season. Now, of course, +when you came up here with a message from your brother, and claimed the +boat, I had to let you have it. If Charlie had paid any money, I would +have refunded it to him; but as he hadn't paid a cent there was nothing +to do but to turn the boat over to you." + +"And you left us in ignorance of all this, when the knowledge of it +might have saved us much trouble, let alone the danger we ran and the +final loss of the boat?" Miss Elting asked accusingly. + +"Well, you see, it was hard to explain," replied Dee Dickinson +reluctantly. "At any rate, at the time I thought it would be hard to +explain, so I let it go without telling you. I tried to make it all +clear to Charlie that, having paid no money, he had no claim on the +boat, but you can't explain a thing like that to an Indian. So Charlie +wouldn't listen to anything I could say. The half-breed isn't right in +his head, anyway, I'm inclined to think." + +"So, without warning, you left us at the mercy of a possibly insane +Indian?" Miss Elting persisted. "Mr. Dickinson, you have acted in a very +cowardly fashion toward women who had been sent here believing that they +were to be in a measure under your protection. You should be compelled +to suffer for it. I shall write to my brother at once and tell him just +what sort of man you are." + +Dickinson cringed at Miss Elting's severe words and fairly slunk from +the guardian's presence at the close of the interview. + +The village constable and one of his men returned to the camp with Miss +Elting and the boys to take charge of the Indian. He was locked up for a +few days by the authorities at Wantagh, then subjected to a rigid +examination by a medical board, and being pronounced insane, was sent +away to one of the state institutions for the demented. + +The Meadow-Brook Girls and Miss Elting said good-bye to the Tramp Club +that evening and spent the night at the village hotel. + +"We've had a fine time at any rate," said Jane McCarthy as they +discussed all over again the exciting happenings of the day before, at +breakfast the next morning. "Where are we going next? Vacation isn't +half over yet." + +"Why we're going home, aren't we?" asked Harriet, turning to Miss +Elting. + +"Not so you could notice it!" exclaimed Jane slangily. "That is not if +Miss Elting will listen to my plan. Promise me you'll do as I ask, Miss +Elting." + +"I never make rash promises," laughed Miss Elting. "Tell us what you +wish to do and then we'll see about it." + +"I want to take you all for a week's drive in my car. You've been +through so much here at the lake that my peculiar style of driving will +hold no terrors for you. What do you say? Will you go?" + +"If I thought you could be depended upon, for once, to drive safely--" +began Miss Elting somewhat dubiously. "What is your pleasure, girls?" + +"We want to go with Jane," was the chorus. + +"Hurrah!" cried Jane. "It's settled. I'll promise to bring you back home +all safe and sound." + +The day was spent in shopping at the village store, as their belongings +had all been aboard the ill-fated "Red Rover." The Meadow-Brook Girls +decided to get along as best they could with their limited supply of +clothing, and depended on buying their meals at the various hotels and +farmhouses along the way. After a happy week on the road, during which +time Jane McCarthy proved herself to be a safe and careful driver, they +turned their faces toward their own town. + +Once home, Miss Elting lost no time in sending in a report, to the Chief +Guardian of the Camp Girls' Association, of the "honors" won by the +Meadow-Brook Girls. In due time the girls received their honor beads, +which added considerably to the length of the strings of beads they had +already won for achievement and bravery. + +The Meadow-Brook Girls were destined, however, to win many more of the +coveted beads, and shortly after their return home, Jane McCarthy held a +lengthy consultation with her father; then invited them and Miss Elting +to be her guests on a trip to the White Mountains. What befell them +during their outing in the New Hampshire hills will be fully set forth +in the next volume of this series entitled, "THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS IN +THE HILLS; Or, The Missing Pilot of the White Mountains." + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13577 *** diff --git a/13577-h/13577-h.htm b/13577-h/13577-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5cf685f --- /dev/null +++ b/13577-h/13577-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,7328 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Meadow-Brook Girls Afloat, by Janet Aldridge</title> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ + <!-- + P { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + } + HR { width: 33%; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; + } + BODY{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .note {margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em;} /* footnote */ + .blkquot {margin-left: 4em; margin-right: 4em;} /* block indent */ + .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right;} /* page numbers */ + .sidenote {width: 20%; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 1em; font-size: smaller; float: right; clear: right;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span {display: block; margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em;} + .poem .caesura {vertical-align: -200%;} + hr.full { width: 100%; + height: 5px; } + a:link {color:#0000ff; + text-decoration:none} + link {color:#0000ff; + text-decoration:none} + a:visited {color:#0000ff; + text-decoration:none} + a:hover {color:#ff0000} + pre {font-size: 8pt;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13577 ***</div> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook,<br> + The Meadow-Brook Girls Afloat,<br> + by Janet Aldridge</h1> +<hr class="full" noshade> + <br> + + + <center> + <a href='images/img001-lg.png'><img src= + 'images/img001-sm.jpg' + width='300' + height='472' + alt='"It’s the ‘Red Rover’!"' + title='"It’s the ‘Red Rover’!"' + border="0"></a><br> + <small><b>"It's the 'Red Rover'!"</b><br> + <i>Frontispiece.</i></small> + </center><br> + <br> + <br> + + + <h1>The Meadow-Brook Girls Afloat</h1> + + <center> + <h3>Or</h3> + </center> + + <h2>The Stormy Cruise of the Red Rover</h2> + + <h3>By</h3> + + <h2>Janet Aldridge</h2> + + <center> + <b>Author of<br> + The Meadow-Brook Girls Under Canvas,<br> + The Meadow-Brook Girls Across Country,<br> + The Meadow-Brook Girls in the Hills, etc.</b><br> + <br> + <br> + + + <h3>Illustrated</h3><br> + 1913<br> + <br> + </center> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CONTENTS'></a> + + <h2>CONTENTS</h2><br> + + + <p>CHAPTER</p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_I'>I. SCENTING A MYSTERY</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_II'>II. CRAZY JANE MAKES A + DISCOVERY</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_III'>III. SETTING UP HOUSEKEEPING</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_IV'>IV. A SUDDEN AWAKENING</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_V'>V. LAND HO!</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_VI'>VI. CAPTAIN GEORGE MAKES A + FIND</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_VII'>VII. A MYSTERIOUS NIGHT + JOURNEY</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_VIII'>VIII. THE ISLAND OF DELIGHT</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_IX'>IX. THE TRAMP CLUB IS ALARMED</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_X'>X. THEIR SUSPICIONS AROUSED</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XI'>XI. MARGERY MAKES A CUSTARD</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XII'>XII. MAKING AN EXCITING + DISCOVERY</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XIII'>XIII. AN EARLY MORNING + SURPRISE</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XIV'>XIV. THE MIDNIGHT ALARM</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XV'>XV. THE ROUT OF THE PIRATE + CREW</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XVI'>XVI. A MIDNIGHT VISITOR</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XVII'>XVII. A STRANGE + DISAPPEARANCE</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XVIII'>XVIII. A FRUITLESS SEARCH</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XIX'>XIX. THE TRAMP CLUB FINDS A + CLUE</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XX'>XX. JANE PLAYS EAVESDROPPER</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XXI'>XXI. A DOUBLE SURPRISE</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XXII'>XXII. SPOOKS OF THE LONESOME + ISLE</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XXIII'>XXIII. ON A STORMY CRUISE</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XXIV'>XXIV. CONCLUSION</a></p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='The_Meadow_Brook_Girls_Afloat'></a> + + <a name='CHAPTER_I'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER I</h2> + + <h3>SCENTING A MYSTERY</h3><br> + + + <p>"I wouldn't advise you young ladies to take the boat + out."</p> + + <p>Miss Elting instantly recalled the message from her brother. + The telegram was in her pocket at that moment, "If you have any + trouble, Dee Dickinson will see that you are protected," read + the message. It was Dee Dickinson who had spoken to her that + moment.</p> + + <p>Dee had made a distinctly unfavorable impression on Miss + Elting, the guardian and companion of the Meadow-Brook Girls. + Her brother's fishing boat had been left in the care of this + man by her brother Bert, who had now turned it over to his + sister and the Meadow-Brook Girls for their summer + vacation.</p> + + <p>"Why not?" questioned the young woman in answer to his words + of warning. "Isn't the boat in good condition?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes. That is, it isn't by any means in a sinking + condition."</p> + + <p>"Then why do you advise us not to use it?"</p> + + <p>"The lake gets rather rough at times, you know," he replied + evasively.</p> + + <p>"My brother wrote you that we were coming up here, did he + not?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes. But you see it's been a year since he used the old + scow. She is a year older, now, and—"</p> + + <p>"I am quite sure that my brother would not have permitted us + to take the houseboat were it not perfectly safe for us to do + so. Please tell me what is the matter with it?"</p> + + <p>"There's nothing the matter with it, I tell you, except that + it's an old fishing scow with a roof over it. It isn't a fit + place for a party of young ladies," Dee replied, with a shrug + of his shoulders. "Of course, if you are set on taking the + boat, I'll have to get it ready for you; but, if anything + happens to it, remember that I warned you."</p> + + <p>"We shall not forget," answered the guardian dryly. "If it + stays on top of the lake we surely cannot expect anything more. + Where is the boat?"</p> + + <p>"A couple of miles down the lake."</p> + + <p>"Kindly direct us so that we may find it, and—"</p> + + <p>"No, no," interposed Dickinson hastily. "I'll have it + brought up here to the dock, so you can get at it more easily. + There'll be some things you will wish to do to it. Having it + here at Wantagh will be much more convenient for you. I'll try + to have it here for you by to-night, or early in the morning. + But you'll be sick of your bargain, I promise you that."</p> + + <p>"Do you mean us to infer that the boat is not safe?" + interjected Harriet Burrell.</p> + + <p>"I haven't said so," answered the man rather sharply, + turning to her. "I've told you that it isn't the kind of craft + for young women to live on all summer."</p> + + <p>"We shall decide that matter ourselves," returned Miss + Elting coldly.</p> + + <p>"Very good. Suit yourselves."</p> + + <p>"I think you had better take us to the boat now before + anything further is done in the matter."</p> + + <p>"No. You had better have it brought here," persisted + Dickinson. "Do you know where Johnson's dock is?"</p> + + <p>The guardian hesitated. She was regarding the man with some + suspicion.</p> + + <p>"It's at the foot of the second street beyond, down that + way. I'll have the boat down there in a couple of hours. I've + got to get a motor boat, or something of the sort to tow it + down. It probably will leak some, not having been in the water + this season until yesterday. You had better go over to the + hotel and get your dinner. I'll come up and let you know when + the scow is ready. Go right over and make yourself at home. + I'll do the best I can. Bert's an old friend of mine."</p> + + <p>Dickinson hurried away, without further words. The girls + looked at each other and laughed.</p> + + <p>"Well, if Dee Dickinson is a friend of your brother, I must + say I don't admire your brother's friends," declared + Harriet.</p> + + <p>"That ith what I thay," agreed Grace Thompson.</p> + + <p>"Tommy, you shouldn't have said that," reproved Hazel + Holland.</p> + + <p>"She didn't. Harriet said it," retorted Margery.</p> + + <p>"Buster is right," laughed Jane McCarthy. "Come on, girls! + Let's go to dinner, as the shifty-eyed gentleman advised. I + hope it is dinner. I never could get used to luncheon in the + middle of the day when Nature intended that a girl should have + a full meal of the real food. Where is the old hotel?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know, Jane. There is something strange about this + affair. I am sure that Bert must have known what he was about, + or he wouldn't have sent me the message he did. However, we + shall see. There is no need to borrow trouble. We shall know + how to deal with it when we meet it face to face. Let's go and + look for this hotel that our friend, Mr. Dee, has + recommended."</p> + + <p>Getting into the automobile Jane started her car, and they + drove through the town in search of the hotel, which they found + after a few inquiries. The prosperous village of Wantagh was + located on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. It was there that + Miss Elting's brother had begun to practice law, but after one + year's practice in the little village had listened to the call + of the West. He had left in Wantagh the old scow, dignified by + the name of "houseboat" to which was attached the further title + of "Red Rover." It was in this lumbering craft that Miss Elting + and her young friends, the Meadow-Brook Girls, had planned to + spend part of their summer vacation. Their meeting with + Dickinson, in whose care the boat had been left, was quite + discouraging. Dee was not a prepossessing fellow; what + impressed them most unfavorably about him was his shifty eyes. + He seldom permitted himself to meet the gaze of the person with + whom he was talking.</p> + + <p>Some inquiry, after reaching the hotel, developed the fact + that Dee Dickinson was a notary, did a little real estate + business, and drew a few papers for his neighbors, thus + managing to eke out a precarious living. So far as the girls + were able to find out, Dickinson's character was above + reproach. Miss Elting chided herself for having formed a wrong + opinion of the man. Still she could not overcome her irritation + at his evident reluctance in getting the boat ready.</p> + + <p>It was quite late in the afternoon when Dee appeared at the + hotel, red of face, his clothes soiled and wet.</p> + + <p>"Well, we got the old thing," was his greeting.</p> + + <p>"Is the boat here?" inquired the guardian coldly.</p> + + <p>"Yes, Miss Elting. It's down at Johnson's dock this very + minute. You can go down there and look at it. I've got some + business to—"</p> + + <p>"Please go with us. There will be things about it which we + shall wish to ask you. Does the boat leak much?"</p> + + <p>He shook his head.</p> + + <p>"It's all right," he said. "I can't spare the time to go + to-day."</p> + + <p>"If I might venture to offer to pay you for your trouble," + suggested the guardian, not certain whether he would resent her + offer of money. Dickinson, however, was not easily + insulted.</p> + + <p>"Of course, if—if you wish, I—yes, of course," + he mumbled.</p> + + <p>Miss Elting handed him two dollars. Dickinson led the way + down to the dock, though without enthusiasm.</p> + + <p>"There's the tub," he said, pointing toward what appeared, + at first glance, to be a huge box. "That is it."</p> + + <p>The girls walked out on the dock and stood gazing at the + boat. In the first place, the "Red Rover" was not red at all. + It had once had a prime coat of yellow paint, but this had + succumbed to storm and sunshine. The windows had been boarded + up; and the exterior of the craft bore out all that Dee + Dickinson had said of it.</p> + + <p>"Thirty feet on the water line," explained the man, for want + of something better to say.</p> + + <p>The boat, originally, had been a scow used for the purpose + of towing the effects of summer residents of the island across + the lake. Bert Elting had bought it for a small sum of money, + and had built the house over it. He and a friend, had spent + many days and nights aboard, anchored out on the fishing + grounds. When they desired to change their location a launch + usually could be found to tow them about.</p> + + <p>At each end of the house there was a cockpit some three feet + long. In other words the house did not extend the full length + of the boat. At the rear there was a long-handed tiller. The + boat was flat as a floor.</p> + + <p>"If the inside is as handsome as the outside, we shall have + the nightmare all the time," declared Margery.</p> + + <p>"We had better look at the inside," reflected Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>There were doors at each end. The girls entered by the rear + door.</p> + + <p>"Mercy!" exclaimed the guardian. "How warm it is in here. + Mr. Dickinson, is there any glass in those windows?"</p> + + <p>Dickinson shook his head.</p> + + <p>"Then please knock out the boards."</p> + + <p>Harriet already was doing this. She succeeded in ripping off + a few planks, letting in the fresh air and sunlight. What they + saw then did not please them. The floor was covered with + rubbish. There was food scattered about, the walls were greasy. + At one side stood an old stove, red with rust, its pipe dented + in, and the ashes heaped high on the floor where the last + occupant had left them.</p> + + <p>Harriet stepped over by the stove to get a different + perspective of the interior of the old craft. She rested one + hand on the stove, but withdrew it quickly. She seemed about to + say something, then abruptly checked her speech.</p> + + <p>"Girls," said Miss Elting, "I don't know whether we shall be + able to do anything with this boat or not. What do you + think?"</p> + + <p>"Of course we shall," answered Harriet promptly. "A good + scrubbing and a little fixing up will make a delightful summer + home of it."</p> + + <p>"This is my treat, you know," interjected Jane. "That is, + you know Miss Elting was to furnish the boat and I was to do + all the rest."</p> + + <p>"Oh, no! We couldn't permit you to do that," answered the + guardian.</p> + + <p>"A bargain's a bargain," declared Jane. "I'll get the paint. + You folks, in the meantime, look the place over and see what + else you need. I'll go back to the village for the things you + decide on when we get ready for them."</p> + + <p>"What color shall we paint the boat?" questioned Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>"Red, of course," cried Harriet. "Surely, you wouldn't paint + a 'Red Rover' green, would you?"</p> + + <p>"I think we had better paint the inside of the boat white," + advised Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"Then white it shall be," declared Jane. "Mr. Dickinson, you + come with me and show me where to get the paint. I'm off, + girls. I think we'd better stay at the hotel to-night. Our + palatial yacht won't be ready for us."</p> + + <p>Jane hurried out, followed by Dickinson. He was eager to get + away. While she was gone the girls consulted with Miss Elting + as to what was necessary to be done to the boat. They were full + of enthusiasm despite the discouraging condition in which they + had found the "Red Rover," for the possibilities of making it a + delightful home, were plain to all of them.</p> + + <p>Jane McCarthy came racing back with her car, three quarters + of an hour later. Two men were in the car with her who wore + overalls and small round caps.</p> + + <p>"Here are the painters who are going to make the outside of + the boat look pretty," cried the girl. "Now, men, get to work + and do your best! If you do a good job you get your money. If + you don't, you get a ducking in the pond! Here, girls, help me + unload this stuff."</p> + + <p>There were cans of paint, a mop, two brooms, tin and wooden + pails, scrub brushes, soap and a miscellaneous assortment of + useful articles.</p> + + <p>"Now, girls, let's get to work," cried Jane. "This is our + busy day. There'll be another man down here with some windows, + soon. We've got to have some hot water. Harriet, can you heat + it?"</p> + + <p>For answer Harriet hurried along the beach, picking up such + dry sticks as she could find. She soon had a fire started in + the stove.</p> + + <p>"We must stand by the fire with pails of water. I haven't + much confidence in that stovepipe," she exclaimed laughingly. + "However, we have plenty of water near, in case of need."</p> + + <p>Tommy had gotten a broom and a dustpan and was already + raising a cloud of dust by her efforts at sweeping.</p> + + <p>"For goodness' sake, sprinkle the floor before you sweep," + begged Margery chokingly. Hazel dipped up a pail of water from + the lake and sprinkled it through her fingers over the floor of + the boat. All the others save Harriet had fled, driven out by + the choking dust. The sweeping was now attended with more + comfort. Dustpan after dustpan full of dirt was gathered up and + tossed into the lake. Tommy surveyed her work with a frowning + face.</p> + + <p>"It lookth worthe than it did before," she declared. "Thee + the greathe thpotth. What fine houthekeeping."</p> + + <p>"Men are lazy housekeepers," laughed Miss Elting. "I shall + have to write to Bert and tell him what we think of his + housekeeping."</p> + + <p>As soon as the water was heated, Jane produced some full + length gingham aprons, which she tossed to her companions. + Arrayed in these, the girls took up scrub brushes and soap and + got to work on the inside of the cabin. Their skirts were + pinned up, their sleeves rolled back to the shoulders and they + looked like veritable scrub women.</p> + + <p>"Let's all work on the same side of the boat," called Jane. + "I want one side to get dry so we can begin to paint it." The + slap, slap of the painters' brushes already was heard on the + outside. The remaining boards over the windows had been torn + off and carefully laid aside for other uses.</p> + + <p>Two hours later Jane got the painters to open the cans of + white paint and stir up the contents. The men put in plenty of + drier so the paint would dry quickly and began their work. + Tommy could not resist trying to paint too. Seizing a brush she + began laying about her, sending the paint into her hair, over + her clothes and spattering her companions until they threatened + to throw her overboard if she did not desist. Tommy's impish + face already was decorated with polka dots of white paint.</p> + + <p>"I would suggest that Tommy go out and use some red paint," + said Harriet laughingly. "Some red dots would make you look + perfectly lovely, dear."</p> + + <p>"Yes and some blue," added Jane. "She'd be red, white and + blue then, and we could hang her over the stern. That would + save getting a flag."</p> + + <p>"Girls, what are we going to do with the ceiling!" asked + Miss Elting, regarding it with wrinkled forehead.</p> + + <p>"We might paint in white between the beams, covering the + beams themselves with green," suggested Harriet.</p> + + <p>"That would be pretty," agreed the guardian, tilting her + head to one side and regarding the ceiling reflectively. "Yes, + it would be very artistic. Have we any green paint?"</p> + + <p>"We'll have some," answered Jane promptly. "What shade?"</p> + + <p>"Grath green," suggested Tommy.</p> + + <p>"Olive," suggested Hazel.</p> + + <p>Miss Elting nodded. Olive green paint would look well for + the ceiling, she decided. Already the interior of the houseboat + was beginning to brighten. But they saw that, to do a + thoroughly good job, at least two coats of paint would be + necessary. They hoped to get one coat of paint on before night, + putting on the finishing coat on the following morning.</p> + + <p>The slap, slap of the brushes outside had ceased and the men + were heard talking. Jane rushed out brandishing her paint + brush.</p> + + <p>"Get to work, you lazy bones!" she shouted. "Am I paying you + for holding conversations about red paint! On with your + work!"</p> + + <p>Jane presented such a ferocious appearance that the painters + resumed their work hurriedly. There was no more lagging on + their part. Jane frequently ran out to see what they were + doing. The result was that the "Red Rover" was painted in + record time, both outside and in, and a coat of paint laid on + the top of the house. Jane McCarthy had an idea in regard to + this roof. The next morning she put the plan into + execution.</p> + + <p>That night the girls were so tired that they gave no thought + to their appearance until they had reached their rooms at the + hotel and looked into their mirrors. Their paint-streaked + countenances were a sight to behold and Tommy carried a part of + her facial decorations to bed with her.</p> + + <p>They were up early on the following morning, and were first + in the dining room at breakfast.</p> + + <p>"I just can't wait until I get to work," declared Jane + McCarthy, her eyes shining.</p> + + <p>"I can wait until I've eaten my breakfast," replied Margery, + then flushed as Tommy giggled meaningly.</p> + + <p>Readers of the first volume of this series, <b>"The + Meadow-Brook Girls Under Canvas"</b> will recall the many + exciting adventures that befell the five girls and their + guardian, Miss Elting, while summering at Camp Wau-Wau, a part + of the Camp Girls' organization. The attempts of two + mischief-making camp girls to disgrace Harriet in the eyes of + the camp, Harriet's brave rescue of her enemies during a severe + storm and her generous method of dealing with them aroused the + interest and admiration of the reader. The various ludicrous + happenings in which Grace Thompson and Jane McCarthy figured + prominently also added to this absorbing narrative of outdoor + life.</p> + + <p><b>"The Meadow-Brook Girls Across Country"</b> relates the + adventures of the girls and their guardian on their homeward + march from Camp Wau-Wau. Their meeting with a number of boys on + a hike, who styled themselves the Tramp Club, and the + subsequent wager made with them by the Meadow-Brook Girls to + race them to the town of Meadow-Brook, furnished the theme for + the narrative. While following the fortunes of the road the + girls met with numerous adventures. The reader will recall + their encounter with the tramps, their rescue by Sybarina, the + Gipsy, and the night spent in the Gipsy camp where Harriet, + disguised as a Gipsy, told the fortune of George Baker the + leader of the Tramp Club, and at the same time under the + pretense of revealing his past rated him soundly for a trick + which he and his band had played upon the girls.</p> + + <p>Once back in Meadow-Brook the girls had settled down to a + busy winter in high school. Now that summer had come again, + accompanied by Miss Elting, they had planned to spend their + vacation on Lake Winnipesaukee, aboard a houseboat owned by + Miss Elting's brother.</p> + + <p>The "Red Rover" in its coat of bright new paint looked + really fine that morning. As the girls neared it the odor of + fresh paint was borne to their nostrils on the breeze that + drifted in from the lake. Full of enthusiasm the girls hurried + aboard the boat. There was much to be done, and all were eager + to settle their home and to begin the fascinating life that was + before them, a life that not one of the girls had ever before + enjoyed. The painters came soon after, and began putting on the + second coat of paint. The girls, as soon as they had donned + aprons and gloves, started to put on the second coat in the + interior of the boat. The windows were on hand, ready to be set + in place and everyone went to work with a will.</p> + + <p>So rapidly did the girls and Jane's painters work that, by + noon, the work, both inside and out, had been completed, + including a coat of paint on the floor. The painters were paid + off by Jane and dismissed. Jane stepped out on the pier to + survey the work.</p> + + <p>"Girls, we've forgotten something," she cried. "We must have + the name on the side of the boat. The 'Red Rover' you know? I + forgot that when the men were here. Can any of you print?"</p> + + <p>"I think perhaps I might do it," answered Miss Elting. "But + we shall have to wait until the red paint dries. Suppose we sit + down and rest for an hour or so?"</p> + + <p>"Rest!" shouted Crazy Jane. "There's no rest for the + Meadow-Brook Girls. It's work and trouble and trouble and work + all day and all night. Girls, we've got to have a new stove, + and we must have a lot of other things, including some curtains + and home comforts. Can you help me load the old stove into the + car?"</p> + + <p>"Not without breaking it, I'm afraid," answered Miss Elting + laughingly.</p> + + <p>"Then get the axe. We'll smash the old thing. Hey there, you + man," Jane shouted at a passing farmer. "Want to earn fifty + cents? Well, get busy here, and help us move the stove."</p> + + <p>With the aid of the farmer they took down the old wood stove + and loaded it into the automobile. Next they made a hurried + toilet and drove into the village. Most of the afternoon was + spent in making purchases. All the bedding had been shipped by + freight, as had the folding cots, the cooking utensils and + their tent. Harriet proposed that they make the tent into an + awning over the upper deck. She thought it would be a pleasant + place to sit in the evenings. Her companions agreed with her. + This necessitated calling in a carpenter. He was sent out to + the boat to do the work while they were finishing their + shopping.</p> + + <p>Among the purchases was an oil stove—Jane had sold the + old one—a large quantity of canned goods, potatoes and + other vegetables, all of which they planned to stow in the + front of the houseboat under oilcloth. Here also was stowed a + huge sea chest that had belonged to Jane's great-grandfather. + It was supposed to be water-tight and in this the Meadow-Brook + Girls decided to place all their extra clothing. A rag carpet + was found that answered very well to cut up into rugs to lay on + the floor. The carpenter made a ladder by which to climb to the + upper deck. Then there was rope and an anchor, the latter a + piece of an old mowing machine; a rowboat, which Jane rented, + and heavy green shades at the windows so that they should have + greater seclusion; also a cask to hold drinking water.</p> + + <p>When the girls finished their work that night Crazy Jane + McCarthy had spent quite a sum of money, but the equipment for + the "Red Rover" was as nearly complete as they were able to + make it. Just before sunset they went out to watch Miss Elting + paint the name on the side of the boat. In large, neat letters + she painted the name in white. The letters stood out in bold + relief against the brilliant red of the boat.</p> + + <p>"I propose three cheers for the artist," cried Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Wait a minute," called Tommy.</p> + + <p>"Well, what is it?" demanded Margery.</p> + + <p>"The job ith not finithhed yet. Mith Elting hathn't painted + the name on the other thide."</p> + + <p>"That is true, but to do so I should have to stand in the + water," laughed the guardian.</p> + + <p>"If you must paint the other side, of course we can turn the + boat around," said Harriet. "I think a name on one side will + answer our purpose for the present. Later on we can finish the + job, if we think best."</p> + + <p>"Yes," agreed Jane. "We've done enough for the present. + Don't forget that we've got to settle the house in the morning. + I want you all to think hard to-night, to see if we have + forgotten anything."</p> + + <p>"The only thing we have forgotten is our dinner. We haven't + had a bite to eat since morning," Margery Brown reminded her + friends.</p> + + <p>"Margery can't think of anything but thomething to eat," + laughed Tommy. "You mutht learn to eat atmothphere when you're + hungry. That ith the way I do."</p> + + <p>"I fear you will never grow fat on that sort of diet," + laughed the guardian.</p> + + <p>"I don't want to get fat, like Buthter," replied Tommy + scornfully.</p> + + <p>In the meantime Harriet and Jane had drawn away from the + others and were engaged in a whispered conversation. Then the + two girls got into the rowboat dragged the houseboat out into + the lake, a few rods, and anchored it. They did not explain + their action. The other girls laughed at them, and Miss Elting + questioned them with her eyes but said nothing. She knew the + two girls had some good reason for anchoring the "Red Rover" a + little distance from the shore.</p> + + <p>Early on the following morning, Jane and Harriet were out, + loading the automobile with the supplies that had been + delivered at the hotel the previous night. The car was piled + high with bundles of various shapes and sizes. There was room + for Jane and Harriet in front, but none for their companions + elsewhere.</p> + + <p>"We will go down to the dock with the stuff," explained + Harriet, "then come back in time to take breakfast with you + girls. We shan't try to put the supplies on board. We'll just + dump them on the pier."</p> + + <p>"You can put them on the boat if you want to. I don't care," + answered Grace.</p> + + <p>"Tommy is trying to get out of working to-day," scoffed + Margery.</p> + + <p>"I'm not," protested the little lisping girl indignantly. + "If I were ath fat ath you, I might. I'll work after + breakfatht, but I won't work before breakfatht."</p> + + <p>"Nobody wants you to," flung back Jane, as she started her + car ahead. "We'll do all the before-breakfast work, and we'll + have the real appetites when we get to the food. You watch + us."</p> + + <p>They watched her skid around a sharp corner and heard her + car for some few moments thereafter, but that was all. They + were too well used to Crazy Jane McCarthy, by this time, to be + surprised at anything she might do or say.</p> + + <p>The drive to Johnson's dock was a short one. The two girls + made it in a few moments. As they turned into the street that + led down to the river they opened their eyes a little wider, + but neither spoke. Nor was there a word said until they had + driven out on the pier and halted the car. Then both girls + burst out in exclamations of amazement at the same instant.</p> + + <p>That which they discovered filled the hearts of the + Meadow-Brook Girls with alarm. The "Red Rover" was nowhere in + sight. The shore end of the rope, with which it had been + secured to the dock when they anchored it out in the lake, was + still securely tied to the string piece at the outer side of + the dock.</p> + + <p>"What is it, darlin'?" questioned Jane, with eyes wide and + wondering.</p> + + <p>"It looks to me very much as though our 'Red Rover' were at + the bottom of the lake, Jane. Oh, what shall we do if she has + sunk? Something has been going on here. Something occurred the + first day we were here, to excite my suspicion. And now this + strange thing has happened. There's the rowboat. Let's go out + and look around. Oh, this is too bad, too bad!"</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_II'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER II</h2> + + <h3>CRAZY JANE MAKES A DISCOVERY</h3><br> + + + <p>"Wait!"</p> + + <p>Jane sprang forward, and grasping the rope, lifted it from + the water and began hauling in on it. She uttered a shout of + joy.</p> + + <p>"There's no 'Red Rover' on the other end of this rope, + Harriet," she cried.</p> + + <p>"Then it has broken away and sunk," answered Harriet + gloomily. "Let's get into the rowboat and go out yonder."</p> + + <p>"In a minute. I want to see what is at the other end of this + rope, Harriet, dear. There's nothing like beginning at the + right end. This is the right end; after we get the rope in we + will move on to the other end. We may have to dive, but you and + I know how to do that, don't we darlin'?"</p> + + <p>Harriet nodded. The long rope came in dripping, so cold to + the touch as to make Jane's fingers numb.</p> + + <p>"There!" exclaimed Jane, slamming the rope down on the + wharf. "There's the old thing. Didn't I tell you there was no + 'Red Rover' on the end of it."</p> + + <p>"Then we had better take to the rowboat. I don't understand + this at all," said Harriet, in a troubled voice.</p> + + <p>"Just a minute, Harriet. Will you look at this and tell Jane + McCarthy the meaning of it?" She extended the end of the rope + toward Harriet. The latter took it, permitting the dripping + rope to lie across the palm of one hand for a minute. Harriet + glanced up at her companion with troubled eyes.</p> + + <p>"Do you know what has been done to it?" asked Harriet.</p> + + <p>"I think so," nodded Jane.</p> + + <p>"The rope has been cut," reflected Harriet.</p> + + <p>"It has," agreed Jane.</p> + + <p>"But, who could have done such a thing?" Harriet + wondered.</p> + + <p>"If I knew, I'd make him suffer for this piece of work," + retorted Jane.</p> + + <p>"I don't know; I can't even think," answered Harriet + solemnly. "What do you suppose has become of the boat, + Jane?"</p> + + <p>"Goodness knows," replied Jane.</p> + + <p>"I'm going to search the lake." Harriet ran around the end + of the pier, where, shoving off the rowboat, she leaped in. + Jane followed her. "I'm going to the west. The wind is blowing + that way."</p> + + <p>Jane McCarthy nodded understandingly. Harriet was rowing, + Jane sitting in the stern of the boat.</p> + + <p>"Watch the shore, Jane. I will do the rowing. I am going to + tell you what I discovered that day we first went aboard the + houseboat. I put my hand on the stove quite by accident that + morning. The stove was so hot that it burned my hand."</p> + + <p>"You don't say?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. Now explain how that stove happened to be hot," + continued Harriet.</p> + + <p>"That's easy. Somebody had had a fire in it," nodded + Jane.</p> + + <p>"Exactly. And not long before we went aboard. Then there + were bread crumbs on the floor. Jane, some person had been + living on that boat. You remember how anxious Dee Dickinson was + that we should not go to the boat until he had first been + there?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, but what has that to do with the cutting of the rope, + last night, and losing the boat?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know. That the two puzzles have some connection I + am positive. What we wish most, just now, is to find the 'Red + Rover.'"</p> + + <p>"There's something red on the shore; it looks like a fire!" + cried Jane, pointing excitedly. "Oh, if it should be the + boat."</p> + + <p>Harriet ceased rowing and quickly turned her head over her + right shoulder. She gazed, at first half startled, then uttered + a cry of delight.</p> + + <p>"It's the 'Red Rover.' Don't you see? Hurrah! We've found + the boat. It's the sun shining on those red sides that made it + look like a fire."</p> + + <p>Harriet swung the prow of the boat and began rowing + shoreward with all her might. After a few minutes of rowing she + drove the boat in alongside of the "Red Rover," then leaped out + on the shore. The unknown miscreant having cut her from her + moorings the houseboat had drifted down the lake. She had + stranded among a forest of rushes, the bottom of the boat being + hard and fast on the gravel.</p> + + <p>The girls breathless with excitement, climbed aboard. The + after-half of the house floor was under water. There were fully + two feet of water in the stern. In the after cockpit were + several bushels of sand and gravel that had been thrown up by + the wind and waves during the night.</p> + + <p>"Oh, the villains, to do a thing like this!" raged Jane. She + started to run aft for a pail but losing her footing on the + slippery floor she went sprawling and splashing into the water. + Jane scrambled up, wet from head to feet.</p> + + <p>"Oh, me! Oh my! What a mess!"</p> + + <p>Harriet leaned against the side of the cabin screaming with + laughter. Jane looked at her an instant, then, joined in the + merriment.</p> + + <p>"You are a sight!" gasped Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Why shouldn't I be? I've been in the water? Are we going to + stand here and laugh all the morning, or are we going to get + busy?"</p> + + <p>For answer Harriet Burrell picked up a pail and began + bailing out the cockpit. Jane, dripping, took up another pail + and together the girls worked feverishly. There were several + barrels of water in the cockpit, so their backs were aching by + the time they had finished bailing out the water. The stern of + the boat now floated clear, but the forward end was hard and + fast on the ground.</p> + + <p>"The next thing is to get the boat off the gravel," + announced Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Maybe we can hitch the rowboat on and drag the 'Red Rover' + off," suggested Jane.</p> + + <p>Harriet shook her head.</p> + + <p>"It won't work. We shall have to drag it off by main force. + You can't be any wetter, and I'm not afraid of a little water. + Let's get outside the boat and see what we can do."</p> + + <p>A few seconds later as they took hold and directed their + strength to the task of moving the heavy boat, Harriet's feet + slipped from under her. She fell over into the water, coming up + coughing, the water streaming from her hair and shoulders, and + falling into the lake in a shower. Jane screamed with delight. + "You're wet all right, now! No mistake about that," jeered + Crazy Jane. "And what have we done? Moved the old tub three + quarters of an inch. At this rate we'll have her afloat about + supper time. I wish I had my car hitched to it. I'd drag the + old thing out so fast it would make her dizzy."</p> + + <p>Harriet had grasped the edge of the boat, tugging with all + her might. Jane dashed around to the other side, adding her + strength to the task. The boat gave way with such suddenness + that both girls fell into the lake. But they did not care. They + could get no wetter. Therefore they laughed and joked over + their bedraggled condition. The "Red Rover" floated clear of + the rushes.</p> + + <p>"Do the best you can. I'll get the rowboat," cried Harriet, + splashing toward the shore. Her clothes were so heavy with + water that they impeded her movements. She shoved the rowboat + out, and, leaping in, rowed it out into the lake with strong + sweeps of the oars. In a few moments she was alongside.</p> + + <p>"The rope is too short. What shall we do?" called Jane.</p> + + <p>"There is a rope attached to this boat. I think it will be + long enough for towing. Wait, I'll toss it to you. Make it + fast. The boat is heavy and we are going to have a hard pull, + but I don't dare leave it here until we can get help."</p> + + <p>Jane waded over to the rowboat for the rope. She made it + fast; then, getting behind the houseboat, she pushed while + Harriet rowed. The "Red Rover" started but slowly. It was all + the two girls could do to get it in motion. Then when, finally, + they had gotten under way with it, Jane was obliged to wade out + in water nearly to her neck to reach the rowboat. She nearly + upset it in getting aboard. Two pairs of oars, instead of one, + were now bent to the work of towing the houseboat. The boat + went broadside to the waves, nearly pulling them overboard. + They saw that it would be impossible to tow it to the Johnson + dock in this fashion.</p> + + <p>"One of us must row and the other steer," declared + Harriet.</p> + + <p>"I'll do the rowing. You've had your share," cried Jane. + "Wait, I'll pull you alongside."</p> + + <p>"No. You must keep the oars going, or the big boat will + drift back into shallow water again. I'll get back there all + right." Harriet unshipped her oars and stood up in the boat. + She took a clean, curving dive into the lake. Jane shouted + delightedly.</p> + + <p>"What a beauty!"</p> + + <p>Harriet came up, shaking her head to free it from water, + then struck out for the houseboat. Getting aboard, weighted + down by her clothes as she was, was not an easy task. Finally, + however, the girl managed to get one foot over the edge. She + clung there for a moment breathing heavily, then slowly climbed + aboard.</p> + + <p>"Hur-r-r-ro-o-o-o!" wailed Jane. "They can't stop a + Meadow-Brook Girl with fire or water."</p> + + <p>"Now pull," shouted Harriet, "I'll change places with you + when you get tired."</p> + + <p>"I'll rest when I get tired," was the very practical reply + of Crazy Jane McCarthy.</p> + + <p>Harriet took the tiller and straightened out the scow's + course, though she discovered that the old boat was a most + unmanageable craft. It simply would not keep on any one course + for more than thirty seconds at a time. Jane was shouting her + directions, making sarcastic remarks about Harriet's steering, + but the latter merely smiled. She knew she was doing the best + she could, and that was all any one could do. Jane was making + but slow headway. They had not yet rounded the point that hid + the Johnson dock from view. Her strokes became uneven, and + jerky. All at once the rope broke. Crazy Jane McCarthy landed + in the bottom of the rowboat.</p> + + <p>"Save me," she screamed.</p> + + <p>Harriet, who could not see the small boat, the deck house + being in the way, continued on her course, smiling + good-naturedly at Jane's noisy objections. But all at once a + crash and a yell startled Harriet. She threw the tiller over + and leaned far out. The rowboat was bottom-side-up, with Crazy + Jane McCarthy struggling in the water. Her mouth was too full + of water, just at that moment, to allow her to raise an outcry. + The momentum of the houseboat carried it alongside the + overturned rowboat, Harriet leaned over and grasped one of her + companion's arms.</p> + + <p>"Why, Jane! You shouldn't have stopped rowing to go in for a + swim."</p> + + <p>"Go in for a swim!" exploded Jane. "And didn't you run me + down. Look at the boat, will you! Now, what are we going to do, + will you tell me?"</p> + + <p>"The first thing is to get you on board. After that I don't + know."</p> + + <p>Crazy Jane was dragged aboard the "Red Rover." She lay + clinging to the gunwale, laughing immoderately.</p> + + <p>"It's a fine start we are having, darling isn't it, + now!"</p> + + <p>"A wet one," amended Harriet. "See! The rowboat is drifting + ashore. You stay on board. I'm going after it. I'm not tired. + Keep the houseboat away from the shore, if you can."</p> + + <p>Harriet sprang into the water, swimming leisurely shoreward. + Reaching the rowboat, she took hold of and clung to it, + drifting ashore with it. The houseboat also was coming in. Jane + was shouting to her companion to hurry. Harriet was doing the + best she could under the circumstances, struggling with all her + strength to right the rowboat. By the time she had succeeded in + doing so, the "Red Rover" was fairly on top of her.</p> + + <p>"Steer out!" cried Harriet warningly.</p> + + <p>"I can't steer in or out," flung back Jane.</p> + + <p>Harriet began tugging at the rowboat to get it out of the + way of the oncoming houseboat. The former had grounded in the + shallow water. The houseboat caught the stranded rowboat, + turned it over and slowly ground it under its prow, accompanied + by the sound of crushing planks. Harriet was caught and thrown + down, disappearing under the bow of the "Red Rover."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_III'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER III</h2> + + <h3>SETTING UP HOUSEKEEPING</h3><br> + + + <p>Jane, receiving no answer to her calls, ran up on top of the + house. A quick glance about showed her that Harriet was nowhere + in sight. Jane did not dare to dive, knowing that the water was + shallow. She jumped, feet first, instead, landing in the + shallow water with great force.</p> + + <p>"She's under there!" cried the girl, staggering toward the + bow of the houseboat. Putting her shoulders against it she + shoved the heavy boat back a little. Harriet Burrell came to + the surface, then made a feeble attempt to swim. Jane picked + her up and carried her ashore; or, rather, dragged her there, + for, impeded by the water, Jane found Harriet too heavy a + burden.</p> + + <p>Harriet was gasping. She had held her breath until she could + hold it no longer. The result was that she had swallowed + considerable water. Crazy Jane was working over her. It was but + a few minutes before Harriet Burrell had wholly recovered from + the effects of the recent catastrophe. She was considerably + bruised and was rendered nervous by her trying experience.</p> + + <p>"Is—is the small boat damaged?" she gasped.</p> + + <p>"Never mind the small boat. There are more boats where that + came from," answered Jane. "You lie down here while I go for + another boat. Shall I get some one to help us?"</p> + + <p>Harriet shook her head.</p> + + <p>"If we are going to be fresh water sailors we must learn to + do things for ourselves."</p> + + <p>"That's what I say," agreed Jane, nodding with great + emphasis. "But are you sure you are all right?"</p> + + <p>"I'm awfully wet, Jane."</p> + + <p>"That's nothing. We'll be wet many a time before we get + through with this cruise."</p> + + <p>"We shall have to get started first," answered Harriet, + chuckling. "Run along for another boat. I'll try to keep the + 'Red Rover' off the shore while you are gone. Hurry!"</p> + + <p>Jane ran toward the landing, still some distance away. There + were several boats tied up there. She helped herself to one and + rowed back with all speed. She espied Harriet out in the lake + with the houseboat, where the latter had succeeded in pushing + it and was doing her best to keep the craft from drifting back + to the shore. Jane brought a rope with her that she had taken + from a third boat. This she quickly made fast to the scow, then + began pulling it out into the lake. The wind had died out and + the rowing was found to be much easier, though of course, the + "Red Rover" was as heavy and cumbersome as before.</p> + + <p>"We'll make it," cried Jane encouragingly.</p> + + <p>It was a full half hour later when Harriet steered the + houseboat alongside the pier. The girls made fast, then threw + themselves down on the dock, utterly exhausted from their + efforts.</p> + + <p>In the meantime, Miss Elting and the other girls, becoming + worried over the long absence of Crazy Jane and Harriet, had + left the hotel, starting out for Johnson's dock on foot. They + found Harriet and Jane making the boat more secure, preparatory + to leaving for the hotel.</p> + + <p>"Why, girls, whatever is the matter? You are wet through! Go + up to the hotel and get into dry clothes at once. You will both + catch cold. You are too late for breakfast, too. What happened + to you?" exclaimed Miss Elting. "You are certainly bedraggled + looking specimens."</p> + + <p>Harriet told the guardian of their search for the "Red + Rover." Miss Elting frowned. The message from her brother was + still in her pocket. She recalled the peculiar actions of Dee + Dickinson, wondering if perchance he had anything to do with + the casting adrift of their houseboat, Harriet had not told the + guardian of having found a hot stove on the occasion of their + first visit to their summer home. That, perhaps, might have + enlightened the guardian.</p> + + <p>Now that Miss Elting and the other girls were there to + unload the automobile, Jane and Harriet turned to go.</p> + + <p>"We will begin to settle while you girls go to town for + breakfast," called the guardian after them.</p> + + <p>"You will have to wait a while until the rear end of the + boat dries out," returned Harriet. "I don't think it will take + long. But, in the meantime, there are the windows and the walls + that need fixing."</p> + + <p>The other girls and the guardian fell to work while Jane and + Harriet were at breakfast, and dainty chintz curtains were + draped over each window. There were green shades hung over the + windows also, but these, during the day, were to be rolled up + out of sight.</p> + + <p>Jane and Harriet changed their wet clothing, ate breakfast + and returned early in the forenoon. With them they brought a + chart of the big lake that they had bought of a boat owner. + While in the village Jane also had paid for the damaged rowboat + and arranged for another, as it would be necessary to have a + rowboat with them at all times. A new anchor, this time a real + one, was purchased and piled into the automobile.</p> + + <p>The girls worked all that day setting their cabin to rights. + It was to them a delightful task, and late in the afternoon the + cabin of the "Red Rover" was as homelike a place as one could + wish. Covers had been made for the folding cots, so that by day + they offered attractive lounging places. The upper deck had + some rough seats, made by the carpenter who had put up the + awning. Then there were boxes for plants, in case the girls + should wish to have flowers. But it was the interior of the + cabin that was the real delight. The white walls and green + trimmings gave it a fresh, cool appearance. One could scarcely + have believed this to be the lumbering, dirty, old fishing scow + of a few days since. Bert Elting never would have recognized + the craft in its new dress.</p> + + <p>That night the Meadow-Brook Girls decided to have their + first meal on board. They also decided to clear away and set + sail before sitting down to the meal. Jane drove her car to + town, leaving it at a garage, after which she walked back to + the dock. She found the "Red Rover" ready to sail. The girls + were discussing the question of where to go for an anchorage + for the night.</p> + + <p>"Is that all?" called Jane. "Leave it to the boat. She'll + find a place for herself. Say, I'm not going to try to tow that + house out of here with all these boats about."</p> + + <p>There were launches and steamers coming in constantly. The + waters in that vicinity were dotted with rowboats and small + skiffs as well. Jane did not like the idea of dragging out the + "Red Rover" through that gathering of craft. Neither did + Harriet Burrell. Jane was looking over the launches and their + occupants as they came up to the dock either to take on or + discharge passengers. All at once she pounced upon two boys, + who had left a third boy on the dock and bade him good-bye.</p> + + <p>"Will you give us a tow?" demanded Jane.</p> + + <p>"Where do you want to go?" answered one of the lads, + touching his cap.</p> + + <p>"Which way are you going?"</p> + + <p>"Down the lake."</p> + + <p>"That's the way we are going. Say, which way is down the + lake?" she asked Harriet in a whisper. The latter indicated the + direction by a wave of the hand.</p> + + <p>"We'll give you a rope and tell you when you are to drop + us," added Jane.</p> + + <p>The boys regarded the houseboat rather dubiously. They did + not know whether or not their little launch would be able to + tow it. Jane and Harriet explained to their companions that + they were to have a tow. Then the two girls made fast the line, + carrying the latter to the motor boat, after which they cast + off from the pier.</p> + + <p>The Meadow-Brook Girls uttered a cheer, as the "Red Rover" + slowly drifted sideways clear of the dock. The dock was + thronged with people, all of whom were now observing the + houseboat. The latter's upper deck held the girls, with the + exception of Jane, who was at the helm to steer as soon as + their craft had been turned about and headed in the right + direction. The houseboat came about slowly; then, as the motor + boat chugged away the line grew taut and the "Red Rover" began + to move.</p> + + <p>"You give me steering directions, Harriet," cried Jane.</p> + + <p>"I will wave to you. That will be better than shouting."</p> + + <p>"Whatever you say."</p> + + <p>"Look out!"</p> + + <p>A heavy shock, following Harriet's warning, caused Jane to + shove the tiller hard over. The girls were piled in a heap on + the upper deck and it seemed as though the front part of the + houseboat must have been crushed.</p> + + <p>Loud, threatening voices forward brought Crazy Jane to the + upper deck instantly. Then she saw what had occurred. The "Red + Rover" had taken a sudden dive to the left, colliding with an + anchored sailboat.</p> + + <p>"If you don't know how to steer, keep off the lake!" raged + the owner, shaking both fists at the red terror.</p> + + <p>"If you don't know how to keep out of the way, then you + ought to get pushed off the lake," flung back Jane McCarthy + defiantly.</p> + + <p>Harriet laid a hand on her arm.</p> + + <p>"Don't argue with them, Jane. It isn't well-bred to do a + thing like that."</p> + + <p>The launch was sputtering away trying to extricate the "Red + Rover" from its position, which, by this time, was broadside + against the sailboat. The "Red Rover" was rising and falling, + each time rubbing off some red paint onto the white sides of + the yacht. With each blotch of paint, so acquired, the anger of + the owner of the yacht increased. It was fortunate for the + Meadow-Brook Girls that they succeeded in getting away + promptly. Jane was getting more and more angry, and Harriet had + all she could do to restrain her companion.</p> + + <p>But their troubles were not yet ended. The "Red Rover" + plunged through the fleet, smash-into a sailboat here, nearly + sinking a rowboat there, grazing the side of a steamer, rubbing + off some more paint in the operation, and continuing her voyage + of destruction by smashing in the gunwale of a launch that was + unfortunate enough to be anchored within range of the "Red + Rover's" tow line. Jane's steering was anything but skilful. + She steered too much, not giving the boat half a chance to + respond to one turn of the tiller, before she turned it the + other way. But Harriet Burrell offered no suggestions. At + least, she remained silent until after the "Red Rover" had + upset a canoe, spilling a young man and two girls into the + lake. It was then that Harriet sprang down and casting off the + rowboat pulled to their rescue. It was well that she did so, + for neither of the girls could swim.</p> + + <p>The motor boat that was towing the "Red Rover" had stopped + instantly but the "Red Rover" was still drifting, managing to + collide with two more small boats before finally coming to a + stop. In the meantime, Harriet had hauled the dripping girls + aboard her rowboat, and assisted the young man to right his + canoe. The girls refused to get into it again.</p> + + <p>"Bring the young ladies aboard and let us give them some dry + clothes," called Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"They wish to be put ashore here," answered Harriet.</p> + + <p>"We are very sorry that we have caused you all this trouble. + Our boat doesn't seem to steer well. I don't know what the + trouble is," continued the guardian.</p> + + <p>The two girls were very courteous about the matter. They + assured Miss Elting and Harriet that they knew the accident had + been unavoidable, and that it had been more their fault than + the "Red Rover's." The young man, however, was inclined to + grumble. Harriet put the wet girls ashore, where they were + followed by their companion. The "Red Rover" then moved on, + following a zig-zag course, narrowly missing running into other + boats, until finally one of the lads in the motor boat put his + hands to his lips and shouted:</p> + + <p>"How much farther are you folks going?"</p> + + <p>Harriet consulted with Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"If you will be good enough to tow us into that cove just + ahead, we shall be very much obliged," answered Harriet. The + motor boat was instantly headed toward the cove. Harriet + chuckled. "They are eager to be rid of us, and I don't blame + them at all."</p> + + <p>"They look like nice boys. I think I will invite them to + come aboard," decided the guardian. Harriet nodded her + approval. When, finally, the houseboat had been dragged in, + Harriet shouted to the boys to cast off. It was then that Miss + Elting asked them to come aboard. The boy at the wheel said + they would come some other time, that they were obliged to get + back to their camp farther down the lake. They would accept no + pay for their towing and chugged away, waving their hands, + leaving a snowy wake behind them.</p> + + <p>Harriet had already climbed down, and, with a long string, + at the end of which had been tied the piece of broken poker + from the old stove, was taking sounding to get the depth of + water.</p> + + <p>"Eight feet. That's deep enough. Jane! Come help me put over + the anchor, please," she called.</p> + + <p>The anchor went over with a splash, after which the rope was + tied to a heavy hard wood cleat that the carpenter had secured + to the forward lower deck. The "Red Rover" drifted to the end + of its anchor rope, then swung to the gentle breeze that was + blowing.</p> + + <p>"Thank goodness we aren't at the bottom of the lake," + exclaimed Crazy Jane.</p> + + <p>"It's the other folks who have reason to be thankful," + answered Harriet smilingly. "Now let's get supper. We have a + lot to do, and even more to discuss."</p> + + <p>"Had we not better work in closer to shore?" questioned the + guardian, regarding the wooded cove critically.</p> + + <p>"No, I think not. I have my reasons for wanting to be away + from the shore," answered Harriet.</p> + + <p>It would have perhaps been better had they chosen some other + location for their anchorage, for the night in the cove was to + be a trying one for the Meadow-Brook Girls and another of those + mysterious happenings that had so disturbed them was to + overtake them at the very beginning of the cruise of the "Red + Rover."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_IV'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER IV</h2> + + <h3>A SUDDEN AWAKENING</h3><br> + + + <p>"There! I knew we had forgotten something."</p> + + <p>"What have we forgotten, Jane?"</p> + + <p>"An ice box, Miss Elting. How are we to keep our food + without an ice box?"</p> + + <p>"But, my dear, what would be the good of an ice box without + ice?"</p> + + <p>"That's so. I hadn't thought of that. Where would we get our + ice?"</p> + + <p>"That ith eathy," piped Tommy. "Get your ithe out of the + lake, of courthe. I never did thee thuch thtupid people. Did + you thuppothe they got ithe on land? That it grew in the + fieldth?"</p> + + <p>"No, darlin'. We didn't suppose anything of the sort. But + knowing so much, please tell us how we are to get ice from the + lake in the good old summer time? Answer me that question, will + you now?"</p> + + <p>"That ith tho," reflected Tommy. "Really, I hadn't thought + of it that way. I gueth I wath too previouth."</p> + + <p>"Grace!" rebuked Miss Elting, "I am amazed at your using + such expressions. You really must be more careful of your + language."</p> + + <p>"Yeth; I will."</p> + + <p>"Until the next time," muttered Harriet, an amused smile + hovering about the corners of her mouth. Harriet was busily + engaged in getting supper. "Bring me a pail of water, please," + she called. "We must put the water on to heat so that we can + wash dishes directly after supper. Dishes mustn't go unwashed + on board the 'Red Rover,' no matter whatever else may be + neglected."</p> + + <p>Jane was setting the table. The dishes that they had + purchased were not expensive. Rather were they strong and + serviceable, but even at this, the table looked very pretty. + Miss Elting had gathered a bunch of wild flowers and these had + been placed in a pitcher and stood in the centre of the table. + Of course the chairs were camp stools. In this instance they + were provided with backs, which made them quite comfortable. + Soon beefsteak was broiling over the fire, potatoes were frying + in the pan and the tantalizing fragrance of coffee filled the + air.</p> + + <p>"Bring the drinking water, Tommy. And look out that you + don't fall with it. We can't afford to buy dishes every day. + Will you be careful?"</p> + + <p>"Yeth; I'll be careful."</p> + + <p>"Hurry back. Supper will be on the table by the time you get + below again."</p> + + <p>Tommy, pitcher in hand, ran up the ladder to the deck above, + Harriet and Miss Elting, in the meantime, putting the food on + the table.</p> + + <p>"Tom-m-m-y-y-y!" called Jane after some minutes had elapsed. + "The little girl has gone to sleep up there, I'll wager."</p> + + <p>A scream, followed by a loud splash, startled the passengers + on board the "Red Rover." They rushed for the door.</p> + + <p>"Tommy's fallen overboard!" yelled Harriet.</p> + + <p>Beaching the lower deck they saw one little white hand + holding aloft a pitcher, and lower down, scarcely discernible, + a bit of tow hair and a freckled nose.</p> + + <p>"Thave me!" wailed Tommy.</p> + + <p>"We ought to leave you," flung back Margery. "What's the + matter? Can't you swim?"</p> + + <p>"Yeth. But the pitcher can't."</p> + + <p>Knowing that Tommy could take care of herself in the water, + no one went overboard to her rescue. Harriet flung out a coil + of rope.</p> + + <p>"Grab it!" she commanded. Tommy needed no second invitation + to do so. She grasped the rope with one hand, still clinging to + the pitcher with the other and holding it above the water. In + this position Harriet drew her in. The pitcher was rescued + before they helped the little girl to the deck.</p> + + <p>"Ith thupper ready?" demanded Tommy, after getting + aboard.</p> + + <p>"Yes, it is and it's getting cold," answered Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Then I gueth I'll thit down and eat."</p> + + <p>"Not until you get off those wet clothes," answered Jane. + "How did you come to fall overboard?"</p> + + <p>"I—I wath trying to walk on the railing," explained + the girl lamely. "I thtubbed my toe and fell in."</p> + + <p>"Oh, help!" moaned Margery. Tommy shot a threatening look at + her.</p> + + <p>"I can thwim. Buthter ith too fat to thwim." With that + parting shot, Tommy hastened inside the cabin and proceeded to + change her wet clothing for dry garments. The other girls sat + down to their supper, without waiting for her.</p> + + <p>None of them, ever had eaten a meal under quite such novel + conditions. Through the open door at one end they could see the + lake, touched with the gorgeous red and gold of the setting + sun. A pleasant breeze was drifting through the cabin from door + and window, while the slight motion of the boat rather added to + than took from the keen enjoyment of the hour.</p> + + <p>"I have been wondering what we shall do in case the water + gets really rough?" said Jane.</p> + + <p>"We shall have to put something on the table to keep the + dishes from sliding off," replied Harriet.</p> + + <p>"That would be like an ocean steamer. On the tables there + they have racks, strips running the full length of the + table—usually brass—and others standing on edge at + right angles to them. This leaves squares about the size of a + plate and the strips keep the dishes from sliding off the + table. They are called racks by the passengers. Among sailors + they are known as 'fiddles,'" explained the guardian.</p> + + <p>"Yeth, but the thoup will thpill over jutht the thame," + observed Tommy from the cabin.</p> + + <p>"Your soup will not, for I'm going to eat it," jeered + Margery.</p> + + <p>Tommy hurried forth, fastening her collar as she walked. She + was taking no chances of losing her supper.</p> + + <p>"Speaking of food," reflected Harriet. "Why can't we take + our meats and other perishable things and put them in a pail + which we can weight down until it sinks? That will keep the + food cool."</p> + + <p>"Yes. But what will you do with it when the boat is moving?" + asked the guardian.</p> + + <p>"If I have to row the small boat, and pull the 'Red Rover,' + it won't move fast enough to harm the pail," spoke up Jane. "Do + we have to drag this tub all over the lake?"</p> + + <p>"I am afraid we shall have to do so when we wish to + move."</p> + + <p>"Then it's my own self for a tug," declared Crazy Jane. "I + shall go out to-morrow looking for a good stout steam tug. I + wonder if there is such a thing in this neighborhood?"</p> + + <p>"Maybe they have one at the farm houthe up there on the + hill," suggested Tommy. But not a smile did her observation + draw from her companions.</p> + + <p>"No, Jane. We aren't going to let you spend any more money + for us. We are out to rough it, and we are going to do so. We + must get along by ourselves," announced Miss Elting. "Of course + it was different when those young men towed us out, and now and + then we may accept a tow. The way to do will be to make short + journeys, not to try to take long trips. Moving by easy stages + we should be able to make the complete circuit of the lake + before the vacation is ended."</p> + + <p>"How long is the lake?" questioned Harriet.</p> + + <p>"About thirty miles in a straight line, I believe."</p> + + <p>"Thirty miles," groaned Crazy Jane.</p> + + <p>"Oh, help!" moaned Margery.</p> + + <p>"Thave uth!" lisped Grace.</p> + + <p>"I thought you girls wanted recreation and exercise," + laughed the guardian.</p> + + <p>"Why, of course we do, Miss Elting," declared Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Of course," agreed Jane, nodding. "But dragging a house all + around a thirty-mile lake is neither exercise nor recreation. + It's hard labor. If you don't think so just get out and drag us + around this cove once—<i>Once!</i>"</p> + + <p>"I have a plan," announced Harriet.</p> + + <p>"It's a good one, if Harriet Burrell thought it out," + returned Miss Elting smilingly. "What is your plan, + Harriet?"</p> + + <p>"Some of you may not like the idea, but it is an excellent + one, I am sure. This is my idea. When we decide to cross the + lake, if we do, I would suggest waiting until some day when the + wind is blowing directly across. Then we can tow the 'Red + Rover' out with the rowboat until the wind catches us. The + rower should then get aboard the houseboat, after which the + wind will carry us all the way across the lake. How do you like + it?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, thave me!" piped Tommy.</p> + + <p>"Yes. You need some one to save you about once every five + minutes I'm thinking, Tommy Thompson. Now, if Crazy Jane had + thought out such a plan, no one would have been surprised. But + for Harriet Burrell to do so—oh, my!" exclaimed Jane.</p> + + <p>"I do not think the plan feasible," declared Miss Elting. "I + am not saying that it would not work, but I don't believe I + care to trust myself to drift across the lake in a gale. No, + thank you. We will keep to the shore. Remember, we are on the + water, Harriet."</p> + + <p>"Yes. And it isn't so long ago since we were in it," nodded + Jane. "Tommy was the last to be in it. Please pass the + potatoes. This life at sea does sharpen one's appetite. It + wouldn't do for me to go to sea really. I'd get so hungry + between meals that I'd gnaw the masts off short."</p> + + <p>"I really can't eat another mouthful!" exclaimed Tommy. "I + gueth I'll go up on deck and walk thome."</p> + + <p>"And I guess you will stay right here and wash the dishes + with me," commanded Margery Brown. "Do you think I am going to + wash them alone, while you promenade on deck? Not I!"</p> + + <p>"I had forgotten about the dithheth. But I've got a plan + about that. You jutht put the dithheth in a bag and thouthe + them up and down in the lake. Then you put them on deck till + they dry off. Now, ithn't that a plan? That ith a better plan + than Harriet thaid jutht now."</p> + + <p>"I feel sorry for your house if you ever own one," laughed + Harriet, beginning to clear off the table.</p> + + <p>"Yeth tho do I. But I feel more thorry for the folkth who + have to live with me."</p> + + <p>"I propose that we all take a hand in doing the work," + suggested Harriet. "The evening is so fine that we should enjoy + it together. I'll clear off the table."</p> + + <p>"And I'll brush it," offered Jane. "Then I'll sweep the + floor. Say, this is fine. All one has to do with the rubbish is + just to drop it overboard. The fishes will come and clean it + up. It's easy to keep house on a houseboat. We're going to have + a fine time this summer. I feel it in my bones."</p> + + <p>The supper work was cleared away quickly. Jane filled the + hanging lamps, while Harriet trimmed and filled the lantern + that was to be put out as a night light so that other craft + should not run into them during the night.</p> + + <p>"All hands on deck!" commanded Harriet, after the last of + the work had been finished.</p> + + <p>"That reminds me. We must elect our officers," said Miss + Elting, after the girls had climbed to the pleasant upper deck. + "Whom shall we have for our captain?"</p> + + <p>"I gueth Harriet will make a good captain," suggested + Tommy.</p> + + <p>The girls agreed to this.</p> + + <p>"I suggest then, that Jane McCarthy be chief + officer—that is, the next in line to the + captain—with Margery as purser, Hazel as third officer, + and Tommy, what would you like to be?" asked Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"I gueth I'll be the pathenger," decided little Tommy + wisely.</p> + + <p>There was a chorus of protests at this.</p> + + <p>"You and I will be the fourth and fifth officers + respectively," announced the guardian.</p> + + <p>"What doeth the fourth offither do?"</p> + + <p>"Not much of anything."</p> + + <p>Tommy nodded approvingly.</p> + + <p>"Then I am that," she announced. "Harriet ith a good + captain. Harriet knowth thomething about everything."</p> + + <p>Harriet shook her head. She protested that she knew nothing + at all about any boat larger than a rowboat. To be the captain + of a scow, was something of a responsibility. She knew that she + would have to be captain in fact as well as in name, and that + the navigation and protection of the craft would be on the + shoulders of Jane McCarthy and herself.</p> + + <p>"There is one thing I do not know, Tommy," answered Harriet. + "I don't know how this captain is ever going to get along with + the crew she has. I fear she will have to ship a new crew. + Perhaps you'll be glad of that, eh, dears?"</p> + + <p>"Tommy would be willing if, as she already has said, she + could be the whole passenger list," chuckled Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>The girls joked and talked until the night had fallen. A few + faint rays of light filtered through the cabin windows and the + dim light from the anchor lantern that hung at the stern of the + boat was their only illumination.</p> + + <p>Harriet got up and walked to the bow of the boat, now + pointed outward. She sniffed the air.</p> + + <p>"Well, what is it, Captain?" inquired Jane.</p> + + <p>"Wind," answered Harriet. "The wind is freshening, and it's + blowing straight into the little cove here. The 'Red Rover' + will be straining at its leashes like an angry dog before + morning, unless the wind veers, which I hardly think will be + the case."</p> + + <p>"Hooray for Captain Burrell!" cried Crazy Jane.</p> + + <p>The sky was overcast and the wind, as Harriet had said, was + freshening rapidly. She went to the lower deck to test the + anchor rope. The anchor was holding firmly. The wind was now + blowing so strongly that the girls found little comfort in + sitting on the upper deck. All hands went below. With the front + cabin door closed the cabin was a comfortable and cosy place in + which to sit. But the cabin floor was acquiring an unpleasant + habit of rising and falling. Tommy's face, ordinarily pale, had + grown ghastly, but she pluckily kept her discomfort to herself. + As a matter of fact the little girl was suffering from a mild + attack of seasickness.</p> + + <p>"I—I gueth I'll go to bed," she stammered. "Will + thomebody pleathe take off my thhoeth? If I bend down I'll + thurely fall over on my nothe."</p> + + <p>There was a shout at this. Both Harriet and Jane knelt on + the floor to remove the shoes that Tommy feared to unbutton. + They assisted her into her cot, after which they arranged their + own, each girl preparing for bed behind a curtain that had been + strung across the cabin, thus making part of the kitchen a + dressing room. In the daytime the curtain was drawn back.</p> + + <p>Harriet was the last to retire. She sat up for an hour after + the others had retired, rather anxiously watching the weather + and the anchor rope, together with the behavior of the "Red + Rover." The latter was riding the swells finely and with much + less motion than might have been looked for in the fairly heavy + sea that was running into the cove. At last, well satisfied + that the boat would ride out the moderate blow, Harriet entered + the cabin and extinguishing the lamp prepared for bed, leaving + only the solitary anchor light outside to dispel the gloom.</p> + + <p>As the night went on, the seas grew with it. Great swells + were sweeping into the cove, and the "Red Rover" was at times + rolling heavily. Once in the night Harriet got up and staggered + out through the rear door, whence she made her way to the upper + deck. From there, with the spray dashing over her, she gazed + off over the water. The moon had come up, and she could see + fairly well; some light being furnished by it, though heavy + clouds intervened. White-capped waves dashed against the boat. + It was unusually rough for a lake of its size. She inhaled + deeply the strong, bracing air, until, discovering that she was + getting wet from the spray, the girl hurried below and crawled + into her cot, shivering a little. Then she fell into a deep + sleep, soothed by the rocking of the boat.</p> + + <p>Tommy was moaning in her sleep. The others appeared to be + sleeping soundly. It was late in the night when Harriet was + awakened by a terrific crash. It seemed to her as though + something had collided with the "Red Rover." Then came a second + crash, much louder than the first. The second was followed by a + sound of breaking woodwork. A draught of cold air smote her in + the face, then a huge volume of water swept into the cabin + overwhelming and half drowning the occupants.</p> + + <p>Cots were overturned, the oil stove went over with a crash, + and the table was hurled the length of the cabin, landing + bottom side up at the rear end of the cabin.</p> + + <p>A chorus of terrified, choking screams followed the second + crash, that, to their overwrought imaginations, seemed to have + lasted for hours.</p> + + <p>"Thave me! We're thinking!" wailed Tommy Thompson.</p> + + <p>"Harriet! What has happened?" cried Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"I—I don't know."</p> + + <p>The "Red Rover" lurched heavily to one side. The rush of + water that accompanied the lurch tumbled the Meadow-Brook Girls + to the lower side of the cabin. A volume of water rushed over + them, and the furnishings of the cabin were piled on top of + them; in some instances a crushing weight pinioned them to the + floor.</p> + + <p>The houseboat had sustained a severe blow, though as yet + they could not determine the nature of it. To make the + situation more terrifying the cabin was in utter darkness. For + a moment the voices of the Meadow-Brook Girls were stilled; + then a chorus of screams, more terrified than before, rose from + the lips of the frightened girls.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_V'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER V</h2> + + <h3>LAND HO!</h3><br> + + + <p>"Please—please keep quiet," cried Harriet, making + herself heard above the tumult. "Don't be frightened! We aren't + sinking, and we are not going to. Answer loudly when I call + your names, so that I may know each one of you is here."</p> + + <p>"Now," she continued after the frightened girls had answered + to their names. "We'll try to find out what happened. You see + that the boat has stopped pitching, and the side roll isn't as + pronounced as it was."</p> + + <p>"What'th the anthwer?" piped Tommy.</p> + + <p>"I don't know—yet," Harriet confessed. "But I'm going + to know."</p> + + <p>"The water is still coming in, and getting deeper," shivered + Margery.</p> + + <p>"Get out through the rear door," Harriet commanded. "One at + a time."</p> + + <p>"Which door is the rear one?" queried Crazy Jane. "All doors + look alike to me."</p> + + <p>"Move away from the direction that the water is coming + from," Harriet continued.</p> + + <p>Assisted by Jane McCarthy the girls obeyed Harriet's + directions. Tommy and Margery first, then Miss Elting and + Hazel. In the cockpit the water was not as deep, but Jane drove + them all to the upper deck.</p> + + <p>"The captain must go last, you know," laughed Harriet, as + she climbed up to join them.</p> + + <p>By this time the girls were shivering with cold. The kimonos + of washable crepe in which they had elected to sleep during the + cruise afforded them little warmth.</p> + + <p>"Get close together and keep each other warm," called Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>"What! Sit down and shiver here all night long?" shouted + Harriet. "No, indeed. We must do something or we shall lose our + boat."</p> + + <p>"Wha—at happened?" shivered Margery.</p> + + <p>"The waves smashed the front door in. That's all I know + about it now."</p> + + <p>"Oh, look!" screamed Hazel. "It's land!"</p> + + <p>"Land, ho!" cried Crazy Jane.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I know," replied Harriet calmly. "We are on shore. We + have been blown partly ashore. I saw that a moment after we + came out here. There is no danger to us, but there is to the + boat."</p> + + <p>"Did the anchor give way?" questioned the guardian, a sigh + of relief escaping her upon learning that the immediate danger + was over.</p> + + <p>"I don't know. Jane! I want you. We must go to the front of + the boat and see what can be done to stop the water from coming + in. Are you ready?"</p> + + <p>"All ready," called Jane. "Where away?"</p> + + <p>"Below there."</p> + + <p>"I want to go, too. I want to go down there and get thome + dry clotheth," wailed Tommy.</p> + + <p>"You'll look a long time on this boat before you'll find + anything dry," laughed Crazy Jane. "Get up and run. Sprint back + and forth along this slippery deck, and, if you don't fall down + and break your precious necks, you'll start your circulation + and get warm. Run for it!"</p> + + <p>"Jane's advice is excellent, girls. Join hands and run back + and forth, while Jane and Harriet see what can be done for us," + answered Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>Jane and Harriet climbed down the aft ladder and made their + way into the cabin. Everything was afloat there. It was with + difficulty that they made their way through and out to the + forward deck over which the waves were still dashing. Both + girls were knocked flat almost the instant they stepped out + into the rear cockpit. They were picked up an instant + afterwards, only to be hurled against the deck house by a + second wave. Neither girl screamed; for a moment or two they + were too nearly drowned to speak. The rear end of the boat + being driven up on the shore, the forward end lay several + inches lower. The lower deck in that part of the boat was + entirely under water.</p> + + <p>"What are we going to do about it?" gasped Jane finally.</p> + + <p>Harriet was groping about on the deck, her head under water + a good part of the time.</p> + + <p>"I've found it," she cried.</p> + + <p>"Found what?" demanded Miss McCarthy.</p> + + <p>"The cleats."</p> + + <p>"Well, what are they?"</p> + + <p>"Maybe our last hope. Climb up to the top. I'll tell you my + plan."</p> + + <p>Jane lost no time in getting up where the rest of the party + were dancing about the deck, trying their best to get warm, and + succeeding but poorly.</p> + + <p>"Harriet, don't you think we had better go ashore?" asked + Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"You will be little better off there. But wait. Yes, the + very thing. I was going to use that awning for something else. + It is the only dry thing on the boat. Come, Jane; we'll do the + best we can under the circumstances."</p> + + <p>Together the two girls got down the awning, which had once + served them as a tent. Assisted by Miss Elting they lugged it + ashore and placing it back far enough to be out of reach of the + water, smoothed it out on the ground. This would at least + furnish them with a place to sleep. By this time Tommy, Hazel + and Margery had made their way ashore.</p> + + <p>"How I wish we had some matches now! I'd build a fire. Jane, + do you think that box of matches could have kept dry through + all this?" questioned Harriet.</p> + + <p>"It wouldn't do you any good if it had. How are you going to + find it if it is there?"</p> + + <p>"That's so. Now, I think we had better take all the things + out of the cabin. Most of the stuff may be gone by morning. + Miss Elting, will you stay with the girls?" asked Harriet. + "Then they won't feel afraid. Besides we shall only be in each + other's way if more than two of us try to work in that cabin in + the dark. The first thing to be done is to try to stop the + water from beating in through that wrecked doorway. I have an + idea. Jane, see if you can find some rope. There should be some + on the upper deck."</p> + + <p>Jane McCarthy reported that there was no rope there. Harriet + decided to go on without it, believing that she knew a way to + check the flood. Calling Jane to assist her, the two girls + carried the dining table out to the upper deck. This they left + there for the moment.</p> + + <p>"Now hand out the cots," directed Harriet.</p> + + <p>As this was being done, Harriet worked standing in water + most of the time. She placed the cots on edge across the + doorway until three of them had been set in place. Directing + Jane to try to hold them in place, Harriet grasped the table. + This she braced against the cots. The table held them in + place.</p> + + <p>"Hurrah! We've done it. See if you can find some blankets in + there. One will do."</p> + + <p>After some searching about Jane announced that she had found + a heavy blanket. Acting under Harriet's directions Jane carried + the blanket to the upper deck and lowered it over the barricade + of cots, weighting it with heavy stones from the beach so that + the end would remain on the upper deck.</p> + + <p>Harriet was unable to get either to the upper deck or into + the boat, without danger of pulling down her barricade, so she + promptly jumped into the lake and waded ashore. She fell down + several times before reaching dry land, knocked over by waves + that overtook her and laid her low. She sat down on the beach + gasping.</p> + + <p>"Come over here and rest a moment, Harriet," urged the + guardian.</p> + + <p>"I am all right, thank you. I haven't time to think about + resting. I am going to try to get our belongings out of the + boat. We aren't so badly off as we might be."</p> + + <p>"If I had thome dry clotheth on I gueth I'd be all right," + observed a lisping voice from the darkness. "My kimono is + thoaking wet."</p> + + <p>"Now, Jane, I'm ready," finally announced Harriet. "Let's + get that stove out first of all. I fear it is ruined."</p> + + <p>"Set the girls at it with dry leaves. They can wipe it dry + and the exercise will do them good," suggested Jane + McCarthy.</p> + + <p>"Fine! Come!"</p> + + <p>The stove was carried out to the beach and stood up. Jane + and Harriet gathered leaves from weeds and bushes, together + with such dry grass as they were able to find in the darkness, + heaping their plunder on the canvas and directing the girls to + polish the stove, hoping thereby to keep it from rusting very + badly. The occupation did Tommy, Hazel and Margery good. They + almost forgot their troubles for the time being.</p> + + <p>The bedding and the clothing were next carried out and + spread on the ground to dry. This, too, gave the girls on shore + something to do. They wrung the water out of the bedding and + clothing as thoroughly as possible. The clothing was then hung + on nearby bushes.</p> + + <p>"I do not believe your clothing will be dry enough to wear + until after the sun shines on it," decided Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>The girls groaned dismally. They did not relish the idea of + going about in kimonos for the better part of the next + forenoon. Harriet and Jane paid little attention to their own + discomfort, however, for there were still many things to be + done. The cabin had held quite a stock of supplies. Cans of + provisions lay all about the floor. The two girls were unable + to gather up their supplies in the darkness. The water would + not damage the canned goods, so they decided to let these + remain where they were for the time being.</p> + + <p>"I'll tell you what!" said Harriet, after pondering over the + best course to follow. "Let's take pails and go to bailing. Of + course some water will still leak in around the bottom cot, but + we can bail out down to that point. The water must come out. We + might as well bail now as after daylight. We won't get any + wetter, and we don't mind lame backs, do we?"</p> + + <p>"We don't, if you say not," agreed Jane. "What the captain + of the 'Red Rover' orders, is to be done. Where are the + pails?"</p> + + <p>"I think I remember having carried one outside."</p> + + <p>"Here's the other," called Crazy Jane, who, at that moment, + fell over the missing pail and went sprawling in the water. She + rose to her feet, dripping, but in great good humor.</p> + + <p>The two plucky girls set to work bailing. They did not wish + to call in their companions to help them, as they believed they + could accomplish more by themselves. Bailing out the boat was + back-breaking work, and there was so much water in the hold of + the "Red Rover," that at first their bailing seemed to have no + effect whatever. Now and then they would go ashore and throw + themselves down for a brief rest. Miss Elting begged them to do + no more, but both Jane and Harriet were deaf to her entreaties. + They alternately bailed and rested until early in the morning, + when utterly exhausted from the strain of the past few hours' + work they were glad to throw themselves down on the canvas + beside their friends for a little rest.</p> + + <p>By this time the dawn had begun to break and soon after the + sun shone brightly. The wind had died down and the lake lay + smooth and glassy in the morning sunlight.</p> + + <p>"I'm going to try to get into that big chest that holds our + clothes," announced Harriet. "If it really is water tight, then + we shall not have to worry long about dry garments."</p> + + <p>"I'll go with you," said Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>The two women made their way to the cabin of the houseboat, + where they were soon joined by Jane. By their united efforts + the barricade was removed from the door, and as the water had + almost subsided Harriet had little difficulty in getting at the + chest.</p> + + <p>"Hurrah!" she exclaimed as she turned the key which had been + allowed to stand in the lock, and lifted the lid. "Everything + is all right. These things are scarcely damp! Jane will you + call the girls? We ought to dress as quickly as possible."</p> + + <p>Fifteen minutes later the Meadow-Brook Girls and Miss Elting + were enjoying the luxury of clean, dry clothing. Their hasty + toilets were scarcely completed, however, when they heard the + steady chug! chug of an approaching motor boat. Harriet climbed + to the upper deck and shading her hands with her eyes looked + out over the waters. Suddenly she exclaimed: "Girls, girls! + Look at that boat!"</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_VI'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER VI</h2> + + <h3>CAPTAIN GEORGE MAKES A FIND</h3><br> + + + <p>"Well, well, if it isn't the Meadow-Brook Girls."</p> + + <p>"It's Captain George Baker," cried Harriet, really overjoyed + to meet their old friend whom, last season, they had beaten in + a cross country contest of endurance and cleverness.</p> + + <p>The girls left the boat and ran down to the shore to welcome + the newcomers. The boys were calling their welcome before they + had fairly landed. With Captain Baker were his friends Dill + Dodd and Sam Crocker, and two other lads, whom Captain Baker + introduced as Larry Goheen and Billy Gordon.</p> + + <p>"Where are the rest of the tramps?" asked Miss Elting + laughingly, hurrying down to the beach to greet the boys.</p> + + <p>"In camp about two miles below here."</p> + + <p>"I believe we have met Mr. Gordon and Mr. Goheen before," + said the guardian. "They were good enough to give us a + tow."</p> + + <p>"Yes," answered George. "They told us about that. Somehow, I + half suspected it to be you folks. After the storm of last + night I wondered how the houseboat with its crew of girls had + fared, so we set out to look for you this morning. We found + you. Well, you are in a mess, aren't you?"</p> + + <p>"Harriet and Jane were bailing water out of the boat nearly + all night, Captain Baker," Miss Elting informed him.</p> + + <p>"You certainly must have had a bad night," returned George + Baker sympathetically.</p> + + <p>The guardian related briefly the experience of the + night.</p> + + <p>"Once more I take off my hat to you," said Captain Baker + admiringly. "And I take off my coat too. Fellows, all off with + your coats! There's work to be done here. How is your + boat?"</p> + + <p>At this juncture Billy Gordon, who had been looking about + the deck of the houseboat, stepped ashore.</p> + + <p>"I don't think the hull is damaged at all. One door is + smashed in and things are pretty well soaked up. If you will + permit it, we fellows will clean up. There's a ton or more of + sand and gravel in the after cockpit. Have you a shovel?"</p> + + <p>The girls shook their heads.</p> + + <p>"We have a dutht pan," Tommy answered.</p> + + <p>"We will use that and a pail, if you have one."</p> + + <p>The lads started for the boat, having discarded their + coats.</p> + + <p>"Oh, by the way, have you any matches?" asked Harriet. "We + need some coffee this morning, but we have nothing with which + to build a fire."</p> + + <p>"Sam, you make a fire."</p> + + <p>"The oil stove may work," suggested Miss Elting. They tried + it, but there was still too much water in the tanks, so Sam + built a fire on shore, and shortly after Harriet and Jane were + busily engaged in getting breakfast, while the boys worked + steadily in the houseboat. Finding nails, saw and hammer, they + patched up the broken door and hung it back in place. Then they + removed all the supplies that had been left aboard and began + cleaning up. They bailed the remaining water out, also + shoveling out the gravel and the sand, after which they + scrubbed the floor and the walls to a height of about three + feet from the floor, where the water had left a dark line on + the white woodwork.</p> + + <p>An hour after the visiting boys had begun their work the + cabin was ready for occupancy again, but the quilts, sheets and + blankets were still wet. A larger fire was built. The boys + rigged a clothes line about the campfire and assisted the girls + to hang up the wet bedding. By this time the lads were hungry. + They readily accepted the invitation of the Meadow-Brook Girls + to sit down with them to breakfast. The table and chairs had + been brought ashore, and there in the cove, with the trees and + bushes for a background, the Meadow-Brook Girls and the Tramp + Club sat down to breakfast. There was plenty of good cheer, + though the faces of the girls were pale, and Harriet and Jane + looked particularly tired.</p> + + <p>"I'll tell you what you must do," declared Captain George + during breakfast. "When you wish to shift your position, let us + know, and we'll tow you about. Did your rope break?"</p> + + <p>Harriet confessed that she had not looked. The captain said + he would look into the matter after breakfast. The first thing + to be done, after getting the equipment back on board, would be + to tow the "Red Rover" off the shore. To do this they arranged + to pass a rope to the launch, the launch to pull ahead while + some of the boys pushed on the houseboat.</p> + + <p>In the meantime, while waiting for the equipment to dry out, + George and his friend, Billy Gordon, who owned the launch, took + Harriet and Jane to town, where Jane wished to go to renew some + of their supplies, as well as to purchase a couple of flatirons + with which to press their wet clothing that had hung in the + cabin when the deluge came.</p> + + <p>During the trip George had drawn out the story of their + previous disaster when they had drifted ashore, though Harriet + refrained from mentioning the fact that their anchor rope had + been cut on that occasion. From George's questions it was plain + that he suspected something was wrong, though Harriet failed to + gratify his suspicions by direct answers to direct + questions.</p> + + <p>George explained, during the trip to the town, that the + Tramp Club had been invited by Billy Gordon, who owned the + launch, to spend a few weeks with him on the lake. He was to + furnish the launch for their cruises, while the boys supplied + the camp equipment. Billy knew the lake and they knew how to + camp, and now that they had renewed acquaintance with their old + rivals, the Meadow-Brook Girls, the Tramp Club were glad they + had accepted Gordon's invitation.</p> + + <p>The trip to town was quickly made, and the two girls + completed their purchases with little loss of time, and were + back on board the launch within an hour from the time they had + started.</p> + + <p>"Now," said George, after they had started on their return + voyage, "is there any place you wish to go?"</p> + + <p>"I want as soon as possible to get back to the boat and + discuss with the girls what is to be done," answered + Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Well, can we help you? Is there anywhere you wish us to tow + your houseboat?"</p> + + <p>"Let me see," pondered Captain Burrell, "I think I should + like to get out of that cove. We haven't made any plans."</p> + + <p>"Then suppose we tow you over in front of our camp? We'll be + handy, then, in case you need us again."</p> + + <p>Harriet shook her head.</p> + + <p>"I don't think that would be best. You see, we wish to go it + alone. We don't wish to have to depend upon any one."</p> + + <p>"You don't have to do so. You are able to take care of + yourselves. I'd back the Meadow-Brook Girls against the world," + declared George, confidently, which aroused a laugh from the + other occupants of the boat. "We helped you this morning, did + we not?"</p> + + <p>"Indeed, you did."</p> + + <p>"But they would have gotten out of the scrape without us," + nodded Billy.</p> + + <p>"Surely we would," chuckled Crazy Jane. "We always do get + out of our scrapes, somehow. But we thank you just the + same."</p> + + <p>"Indeed, we do," agreed Harriet earnestly. "I was about to + say, when you asked me if there were any place we wished to go, + that we do wish to go over to the other side of the lake some + day soon, and—"</p> + + <p>"Any time," interrupted Billy. "I'll take you over to-day, + if you say the word."</p> + + <p>Harriet shook her head.</p> + + <p>"Boys, we've got business on hand to-day," said Jane + briskly. "There is plenty to be done. It will take us two days + to get well settled again. You will look us up occasionally, I + am sure. We can then let you know where and when we wish to go, + can't we?"</p> + + <p>"Surely you can," agreed George enthusiastically. "But I'm + sorry you won't come to anchor near our camp."</p> + + <p>Harriet told him they should be moving frequently; that they + hoped to be able to make a complete circuit of the lake before + they had finished their vacation. George said that the boys, + too, were going to move their camp now and then. He told the + girls the Tramp Club had planned to spend a week on one of the + islands in the lake, and that they would so arrange the time as + to do so when the Meadow-Brook party was in that vicinity.</p> + + <p>By the time they had reached the cove where the "Red Rover" + lay the boys who had remained behind had gotten nearly all the + belongings aboard. Miss Elting and the girls were helping them, + Tommy taking it upon herself to "boss" the whole job.</p> + + <p>As soon as the motor boat party had landed, Harriet said she + must look for the anchor rope, which had not been seen that + morning.</p> + + <p>"I'll do that," offered Larry Goheen. "You ought to make it + secure, so that the boat can't get away," he added.</p> + + <p>"I thought I secured it last night. I made a stout loop and + slipped it over the cleat on the deck. I don't see how the boat + could have gotten away unless the rope broke, which it + undoubtedly did."</p> + + <p>George said he would see about that. The rowboat had drifted + ashore unharmed. Captain George launched the boat and rowed + out, paddling about until finally they saw him stop and raise + the end of a rope from the water.</p> + + <p>"Bring the launch out here, Bill," he called. "Yes, I've + found it, and I've found something else too. There's been some + crooked work here!"</p> + + <p>"What do you mean?" called Harriet.</p> + + <p>"I'll tell you when I come in. I've made a find, all + right!"</p> + + <p>The captain had indeed made a find—one that more than + confirmed the suspicions he had formed earlier in the + morning.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_VII'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER VII</h2> + + <h3>A MYSTERIOUS NIGHT JOURNEY</h3><br> + + + <p>Billy Gordon got aboard the launch and paddled it out to + where Captain Baker sat examining the rope, the end of which he + had picked up from the water.</p> + + <p>"What have you found? More mystery?" shouted Crazy Jane.</p> + + <p>"Yes. I'll tell you when I get ashore. What kind of an + anchor have you down here?"</p> + + <p>"Just an anchor, that's all," answered Harriet. "Why?"</p> + + <p>"Nothing. I was just wondering."</p> + + <p>George climbed over into the launch, tying the rowboat + behind it. Then the two lads hauled the anchor aboard the power + boat. After examining the anchor, they paddled the launch + ashore, towing the smaller boat behind them.</p> + + <p>"We have the old anchor. It's a good one too," announced + Billy, stepping ashore. "I take back all I said. George has + some questions to ask you."</p> + + <p>"Yes," nodded young Baker. "Was the anchor rope in good + condition when you put out the anchor, Miss Burrell?"</p> + + <p>"So far as I know. Did it break?"</p> + + <p>"It broke, all right. Will you show me where you made it + fast last night?"</p> + + <p>Harriet led the way to the forward deck of the "Red Rover," + pointing to a hard wood cleat.</p> + + <p>"I made a loop in the rope and slipped it over the cleat, + drawing it tight. I do not see how it would be possible for the + loop to slip off, nor, in fact, for the rope to break."</p> + + <p>"Hm-m-m-m!" pondered George, feeling the cleat with critical + fingers. "Smooth. No chance for it to have worn through. There + is something to be explained in this affair, Miss Burrell."</p> + + <p>Harriet gazed searchingly at him, but said nothing.</p> + + <p>"I wish you would have a look at the rope. It's there on the + shore. Then, after you have examined it, tell me what you think + about the matter, but tell me just whatever you wish to. I'm + not going to question you about something you don't wish me to + know."</p> + + <p>"What do you mean, Captain?"</p> + + <p>"Have you any enemies up here?"</p> + + <p>"I do not know of any. I have a rival here, though."</p> + + <p>"Eh? Who?"</p> + + <p>"You," answered Harriet, with a smile.</p> + + <p>"Oh!" Captain Baker flushed, then he laughed heartily. "That + was last summer. You beat us fairly. Of course we wanted to win + the race home, and so did you, but you won it fairly and + squarely, and that's all there was about it. We got you into + trouble by stealing the melons and giving them to you, but + honestly, we didn't mean to have the farmer hold you + responsible."</p> + + <p>"We owe you something for telling George's fortune," laughed + Sam.</p> + + <p>"Then pay your debts," retorted Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Don't you do anything of the sort, boys," warned Jane. "You + know what will happen to you, if you do."</p> + + <p>"What will happen?" demanded Baker, turning to Crazy + Jane.</p> + + <p>"Oh, that would be telling. We should be even with you + before we had finished, you know. Girls are always more + resourceful than boys."</p> + + <p>"I don't agree with you," retorted George Baker.</p> + + <p>"Do you wish us to prove it to you?" asked Harriet + laughingly.</p> + + <p>"I'll give you a chance to fail," returned George. "As long + as we're going to spend our vacations on this lake we'll give + you girls a chance to prove your superiority as strategists. + I'll wager you a No. 2 Brownie Camera, to be the joint property + of whichever side wins it, that the Tramp Club can completely + outwit the Meadow-Brook Girls three times inside of three + weeks. What do you say?"</p> + + <p>"Shall we accept the challenge, Miss Elting?" asked Harriet. + "What do you say, girls?"</p> + + <p>"Done!" chorused the girls and their guardian.</p> + + <p>"Very well," smiled Harriet. "The contest begins now, and of + course all unfair tricks are to be barred out by both + sides."</p> + + <p>"Of course," agreed George. "But come along and have a look + at the rope."</p> + + <p>Harriet stepped briskly ashore, followed by Jane and the two + boys. She went directly to where the rope and the anchor lay. + Picking up the former she ran it through her hands until she + came to the loop that had been drawn about the cleat on the + deck when the boat had been anchored on the previous afternoon. + The Meadow-Brook Girl held the loop on the palm of her left + hand, gazing at the rope reflectively. She frowned slightly as + she looked at it.</p> + + <p>"Well, what do you find?" questioned the captain + briskly.</p> + + <p>Harriet glanced up at him quickly.</p> + + <p>"I understand," she said.</p> + + <p>"What is it, Harriet, dear?" asked Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"Oh, what a mess!" muttered Jane, who had been looking over + Harriet's shoulder. "Here's more trouble for the Meadow-Brook + Girls, and trouble for somebody besides them, too."</p> + + <p>"You can see for yourself," replied Harriet, handing the end + of the rope to the guardian.</p> + + <p>"The loop has been cut!" exclaimed Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>Harriet nodded.</p> + + <p>"It has, indeed," agreed Jane.</p> + + <p>Miss Elting and Harriet Burrell exchanged significant + glances. George Baker observed the looks. He nodded to Billy. + Larry Goheen winked wisely.</p> + + <p>"There is something behind this business then, Miss Elting?" + asked the captain.</p> + + <p>"I don't mind admitting that there is, Mr. Baker," answered + the guardian. "What do you say, girls, shall we tell the boys?" + she inquired, turning to her wards.</p> + + <p>"If you think best," agreed Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Surely. Tell them. Maybe they'll be able to catch the + rascal," urged Jane McCarthy.</p> + + <p>"This is not the first time we have been troubled by some + person who wishes to annoy us," Miss Elting informed the Tramp + Club. "Before we began to live on the boat, and while we were + getting it ready for occupancy, some person did the same thing. + That is, he cut the rope and cast the boat adrift. It was + anchored at Johnson's dock. Perhaps you do not know where that + is."</p> + + <p>"I know," spoke up Billy. "It's about two miles above here. + That's where we landed to-day, George."</p> + + <p>Captain Baker nodded.</p> + + <p>"How do you know they cast the 'Red Rover' adrift?" he + asked.</p> + + <p>"The rope had been cut," replied Harriet Burrell. "It was + just as Miss Elting has told you. The anchor rope had been cut + cleanly with a sharp knife. This time the loop, instead of the + rope, has been cut."</p> + + <p>"I thought you said you had no enemies," observed Sam + Crocker.</p> + + <p>"Nor have we, as far as we know," answered the guardian.</p> + + <p>"I don't know what you would call the person who did this, + then. This is all the more reason why you should anchor near + our camp."</p> + + <p>"Oh, no. We are perfectly able to take care of ourselves," + smiled Miss Elting. "Experiences such as these aid in making us + self-reliant."</p> + + <p>"Have you a revolver on board?" questioned Gordon.</p> + + <p>"Miss Elting has a revolver," answered Jane.</p> + + <p>"We hope never to be forced to use it, however. The trouble + is that our friend doesn't show himself. But just wait. One of + these fine nights we'll catch him, then he'll take a bath in + the lake."</p> + + <p>"You have no idea who he is?"</p> + + <p>"I can't say that we have," replied the guardian slowly.</p> + + <p>"Do you know Mr. Dickinson?" asked Harriet, looking sharply + at Gordon.</p> + + <p>"Dee? Yes."</p> + + <p>"What sort of person is he?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, Dee's all right. He doesn't amount to a whole lot, but + he is a good fellow. Why?" He shot a suspicious glance at + Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Nothing, except that he was looking after the boat for Miss + Elting's brother before we came down here."</p> + + <p>George put an end to the conversation by announcing that it + was time they got the "Red Rover" out. The motor boat was + paddled out into deeper water, then the houseboat was fastened + to the motor boat and the power started, while all the boys + save two pulled and hauled on the heavy houseboat. It floated + slowly out into deeper water, while the girls cheered the + efforts of the Tramp Club.</p> + + <p>The anchor, in the meantime, had been put on board and a new + loop made at the end of the rope. The girls now climbed into + the rowboat and were rowed out to the "Red Rover," after which + the motor boat began towing the "Red Rover" into the lake, with + Captain George Baker at the helm. He had remained aboard to + give further assistance, if needed.</p> + + <p>"This is the worst old tub to steer that ever I took hold + of," he declared.</p> + + <p>"We found it so," agreed Harriet. "You will get the knack of + it soon. When you do, you will find steering it rather + easy."</p> + + <p>They reached a cove farther up the lake, shortly after noon. + Here the Meadow-Brook Girls decided to anchor, as there was a + farmhouse on a bluff a little way inland, where they thought + they would be able to get milk, eggs and vegetables. George + decided that he would call in the motor boat and return to + camp, promising to come over and see them later to get their + orders for the following day.</p> + + <p>Miss Elting and her girls expressed their appreciation of + the kindness of Captain Baker and his friends.</p> + + <p>"We haven't done anything worth while yet," retorted Captain + Baker. "Perhaps we may give you a real opportunity to thank us, + later on. On the other hand, you may not wish to thank us," he + added, with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.</p> + + <p>"Now, I wonder what the boy meant by that?" thought Crazy + Jane, regarding George shrewdly through half-closed eyes.</p> + + <p>Captain Baker went over the side, boarding the motor boat + after he had cast anchor for the girls and made everything + snug. Then, with many good-byes on both sides, the power boat + chugged away toward the Tramp Club camp, the Meadow-Brook Girls + turning to the duties of the day.</p> + + <p>The first task was to get their clothing in condition. There + was now no one to interfere with them. Flatirons were put on + the oil stove, which was once more in working order, and the + work of pressing out their wrinkled clothing was begun. Harriet + and Jane handled the irons. Miss Elting took down the curtains, + which also were sadly in need of ironing, while Margery and + Hazel prepared the noon meal. Tommy perched herself on the rail + of the upper deck, and caroled forth a lisping ditty.</p> + + <p>After dinner, Harriet and Jane rowed ashore and purchased + supplies from the farmhouse that they had observed on their way + to the present anchorage. The day passed all too quickly. + Twilight was upon them almost before they realized it. Supper + was late that night, and ere they had finished the dishes the + motor boat drew up to them and the Tramp Club swarmed over the + side of the houseboat with merry greetings.</p> + + <p>"It is almost like being boarded by pirates," laughed + Harriet. "In this case the pirates are welcome."</p> + + <p>The boys had brought with them a bag of early apples, which + Captain Baker gravely assured them had been duly bought and + paid for. The boys also had brought their harmonicas, and later + in the evening there was a harmonica concert on the upper deck + of the "Red Rover." Later on the girls served their guests with + cake and coffee. Larry Goheen, who, like Jane McCarthy, was + gifted with true Irish wit, was the life of the party. He and + Crazy Jane bandied words and said witty things to each other to + the delight of the rest of the company.</p> + + <p>The boys took their leave at ten o'clock. First, they left a + lantern for the houseboat, which George Baker lighted and set + in place at the stern. The anchor light of the houseboat had + been lost in the storm of the previous night, or else it had + been stolen, which latter they doubted. The girls were quite + ready to retire, and lost no time in turning in after the + departure of their guests. Then quiet settled down upon the + "Red Rover." A gentle swell on the water lulled the girls into + deep, peaceful slumber, until after sunrise next morning.</p> + + <p>Tommy, for a wonder, was the first to get out of bed in the + morning. Half-asleep she staggered, blinking, to the after + deck, and then leaned over to wash the last of the sleep out of + her eyes. There followed a sudden, sharp splash, and a moment + later the blonde head of Tommy Thompson appeared from out of + the lake. Tommy had fallen in again. This time she did not + scream. She climbed aboard the boat, grumbling to herself, and + proceeded to dress without further delay.</p> + + <p>"For goodness' sake, Tommy, what is the matter?" demanded + Harriet, sitting up in bed, rubbing her blinking eyes. "Did you + fall into the lake again?"</p> + + <p>"I gueth I had a bath thith morning," answered Tommy.</p> + + <p>"An impromptu plunge, I should call it," answered Harriet + smiling. Then she glanced sharply out through the rear door of + the cabin. Her eyes narrowed as she gazed. She rose from her + cot and walked to the door, looking over the water towards the + opposite shore, her forehead wrinkling into a perplexed frown. + "Girls! Get up! Come out and view the scenery. I promise you it + is well worth seeing this morning. Oh, Miss Elting, do you know + where you are?"</p> + + <p>"Why—why, what does it mean?" gasped the girls who had + hurriedly tumbled out following Harriet's summons.</p> + + <p>The guardian could scarcely believe her eyes. They were not + in the cove where the boat had been anchored the day before. + The scenery on the shore near them was strange and new.</p> + + <p>"What does it mean, Harriet?" demanded the guardian.</p> + + <p>"I think a fairy must have touched the world with her wand + and changed it into something else during the night," replied + Harriet. "But don't you know where you are, Miss Elting?"</p> + + <p>"I do not. Do you?"</p> + + <p>"I think I do."</p> + + <p>"I know," piped Tommy. "We are on the water. I wath in it + earlier thith morning."</p> + + <p>No one gave any heed to Tommy's pleasantry. They were too + amazed and perplexed to give thought to anything but the + strangeness of their surroundings.</p> + + <p>"Then I will tell you," said Harriet, "We are on the other + side of the lake. Do you see that white house on the bluff + across the lake? Well, that is the farmhouse where we got our + milk yesterday."</p> + + <p>"But—but——" gasped Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"We are now where we wanted to be, across the lake near the + beautiful islands and the pretty wooded shores."</p> + + <p>"But how did we get here?" finished Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"I don't know. I know only that we're here. Somehow we must + have made a mysterious journey across the lake during the + night, or else the fairy that I spoke of has turned the lake + around in the night and left us standing exactly as we were. + But I can't think on an empty stomach. Let's dress and get + breakfast; then we will consider what has happened to us. We + are anchored all right, so there is no occasion for worry. The + weather is fine too. Our unknown enemy did us a good turn, this + time, if he only knew it. Come along, girls."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_VIII'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + + <h3>THE ISLAND OF DELIGHT</h3><br> + + + <p>"It is the most mysterious thing I ever encountered," + declared Miss Elting at breakfast, after she had stepped to the + window again to gaze off over the lake to the cove—in the + distance—where the "Red Rover" had lain when they retired + the night before.</p> + + <p>None of the girls except Harriet and Jane had much appetite + for breakfast. They were too excited over the mysterious + changing of their position.</p> + + <p>"What I cannot understand," continued the guardian, "is how + we, who pride ourselves on being woodsmen, trailers and scouts + and all the other things, could possibly be carried across a + lake, dragged over several miles of water and not know anything + about it. Can you explain why we didn't wake up, Harriet + Burrell?"</p> + + <p>Harriet shook her head.</p> + + <p>"And we are anchored just the same as we were last night," + remarked Jane. "It's spirits, girls. No mistake about + that."</p> + + <p>"Now, Jane," laughed Harriet. "You know very well that the + mere fact that our anchor was pulled up before we left the + other side of the lake, then let down on this side, makes your + spirit theory impossible."</p> + + <p>"It <i>wath</i> thpookth," declared Tommy. "I thaw one + thtanding on the handle of the mop pail latht night after I + went to bed. I heard the water thplathh when he jumped in the + pail."</p> + + <p>"What a marvelous imagination you have," jeered Jane.</p> + + <p>"All this talk doesn't help us to solve the mystery," + averred Hazel. "How did we get here?"</p> + + <p>"We do not know, but we are going to find out," replied + Harriet.</p> + + <p>"How?"</p> + + <p>"I can't tell you. Something will turn up to give us a clue + to this and the other mysteries. I have my suspicions of the + Tramp Club in this matter. I am very glad that the rope was not + cut, this time, or thrown overboard after being removed from + the boat. If the boys are responsible for this, rest assured + they'll be the first to tell us. You know the island that we + admired so much from a distance, Miss Elting?</p> + + <p>"We are within a mile of it now. After breakfast, with your + permission I'll row over," continued Harriet. "I want to see + that island at close range. Jane, will you come with me?" Jane + was prompt to accept Harriet's invitation. Miss Elting also was + invited, but concluded to remain with the other girls on the + houseboat.</p> + + <p>Harriet and her companion rowed rapidly to the island + shortly after breakfast. It was a good sized island, as they + discovered by rowing down one side of it, the side nearest to + the shore of the mainland near which the houseboat was + anchored. The girls rowed in so close that they were able to + reach up and touch the foliage overhead and in places it + trailed in the water. The island was rocky, still it was + heavily wooded. One side of it was popular with picnic parties, + but on the side where the girls were few boats ever landed. As + they were rowing slowly along the edge, Harriet's eyes were + constantly searching the shore.</p> + + <p>"This is about what I thought we should find, Jane."</p> + + <p>"What are you looking for, dear?"</p> + + <p>"I am trying to find a place where we can run the 'Red + Rover' in under the trees, and where the boat cannot be seen + from the lake on either side of the island."</p> + + <p>"You will have to change its color then. Why, in the + sunlight you could see that tub fifty miles away."</p> + + <p>Harriet did not answer. She had rested on the oars, and was + peering over her right shoulder towards the thicket at the + shore of the island.</p> + + <p>"No, my dear, not where I am going to put the boat provided + there is room for it. Do you see that current swirling right + into the island there? I saw that from the deck of the 'Red + Rover,' this morning, when looking through the glasses. At + least I thought it was a current. The water everywhere else was + very still, but a slight discoloration there, as you see it, + led me to believe there was a creek running into the + island."</p> + + <p>"You have sharp eyes, Harriet. But where's your creek? I + don't see it," laughed Jane.</p> + + <p>"Neither do I. There may be no creek there, but if there is, + it's going to be a splendid place to hide."</p> + + <p>"Hide?" wondered Jane.</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"But why should we hide, darlin'?"</p> + + <p>"In that way we may be able to get some clue to our unknown + enemy," nodded Harriet. "If the boys did tow us over here, of + course they'll wonder what became of us."</p> + + <p>"Do you think our enemy will try to find us?" asked + Jane.</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"I don't. We'll be wasting our time. The boys won't look for + us, here, either."</p> + + <p>"Well, here is the creek, at any rate," exclaimed Harriet, + swinging the bow of the boat in as she spoke. "And oh, Jane! + Look!"</p> + + <p>A smooth sheet of dark water was revealed to the eyes of the + girls. It was shimmering in the deep shadow of the foliage + under which it flowed until it became lost in the shadows of + foliage and rocks. Harriet drove her boat in without the least + hesitancy. She saw by glancing above her head that there were + no heavy limbs of trees hanging over the little waterway. A + sounding with the oar developed the fact that there was only + about three feet of water in the stream.</p> + + <p>"Do you know where you are going, Harriet?" questioned Jane + anxiously.</p> + + <p>"No. But I don't care. Do you?"</p> + + <p>"Not I. I can go where you go. Oh, look at that hole. It's a + cave, Harriet, and the stream goes right into it."</p> + + <p>"I think you are mistaken, Jane. That looks to me more as if + the water had worn an opening in the rocks. The water must have + been very high to make such a large opening. Yes. See! The + water swirls in at one side of the opening and comes out on the + other side, making a sort of horseshoe shape of the cut-out + place. Isn't this a place in which to hide, Jane McCarthy?" + cried Harriet triumphantly.</p> + + <p>"Hurrah! The greatest hiding place in the world."</p> + + <p>"And won't the Tramp Club be amazed when they find we are + missing? They'll think their chance of winning the camera is + doubtful."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps they'll think we're drowned," answered Jane, her + eyes sparkling mischievously.</p> + + <p>"A little scare will do them good," returned Harriet, the + mischievous sparkle appearing in the depths of her brown eyes. + "What do you think of it, dear?"</p> + + <p>"Fine! It's glorious. We'll have a picnic here. What fun, + what fun! And it's such a beautiful place too. What shall we + call it?"</p> + + <p>"I think we might call it the Island of Delight," answered + Harriet, after brief reflection.</p> + + <p>"That's the name! Now, let's explore the place."</p> + + <p>"Oh, no, not now, Jane. We must go and lay our plan before + Miss Elting first. I do not think she will object, but we must + ask her, of course, before we make any further + arrangements."</p> + + <p>"When do you plan to move in here?"</p> + + <p>"Just as soon as we are able to get the 'Red Rover' in here. + I am in a hurry. The boys are likely to be sailing over here + almost any time now. We must get out of sight before they come + near here."</p> + + <p>"Hurrah!" shouted Crazy Jane.</p> + + <p>"Save your breath. You will need it before we have gotten + our big boat in. It is going to be a hard pull to get it + through all this foliage and then it is going to be another + difficult job to get it out again. When we get those boys on + the Island of Delight we are going to give them something to + think about," chuckled Harriet. "This time, the Meadow-Brook + Girls will score."</p> + + <p>"I should like to know how you are going to get them here?" + wondered Jane.</p> + + <p>"Oh, that is easy. One doesn't even need to think to know + how to do that," laughed Harriet Burrell.</p> + + <p>Jane regarded her admiringly.</p> + + <p>"You sure are a wonderful girl. My daddy says he'd give a + million if you were his daughter."</p> + + <p>"I'm worth much less than that," smiled Harriet. "Now let's + go back. We haven't any time to spare. When we get out into the + lake both of us will row, but let's be certain that there is no + one in sight. We don't want to be seen coming from this place + or our plans will be spoiled before we have had a chance to + carry them out."</p> + + <p>They shoved the rowboat back through the foliage by placing + the oars on the bottom and pushing. They made better progress + this way than they could have made by rowing, for the low + hanging branches of the trees fouled the oars, making rowing a + difficult method of travel, as they had learned when they + entered the narrow little waterway.</p> + + <p>No person was in sight when they emerged. The two girls bent + to their oars with a will and made rapid progress on their way + back toward the "Red Rover."</p> + + <p>Those on the houseboat saw the girls coming.</p> + + <p>"Harriet ith in a hurry about thomething," observed Tommy, + wrinkling her forehead into sharp little ridges of perplexity. + She did not understand how any one could be in a hurry on such + a hot day as this.</p> + + <p>The rowers reached the "Red Rover," and jumping aboard, + their faces flushed and eyes sparkling, proceeded to tell their + companions of their great find.</p> + + <p>"And what is your plan?" asked the guardian, smiling + good-naturedly.</p> + + <p>Harriet told her, whispering part of what she had to say, in + the ear of Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"That will be fine," glowed the guardian, instantly entering + into the spirit of the plan. "We shall at least have a good + time there."</p> + + <p>"And we'll be hidden from the world so no one will know we + are on this island at all," interjected Jane.</p> + + <p>"I am with you, girls. But we must not let people get the + idea that anything has happened to us. That would not be right, + you know."</p> + + <p>"No one about here knows, or at least cares, what happens to + us, unless it is the Tramp Club," replied Harriet, "Besides, I + shall find a way to let them know we are above water, rather + than underneath it."</p> + + <p>"All right. I suppose you wish to move into this retreat + to-day, Captain Harriet?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. At once."</p> + + <p>"Then get under way, Captain, as soon as you wish. Able + seaman Tommy Thompson will heave the anchor for you," averred + the guardian merrily.</p> + + <p>"Able theaman Tommy will do nothing of the thort," retorted + Tommy. "Able theaman Tommy will heave herthelf overboard if + thhe trieth to do any heaving at all."</p> + + <p>"Miss Elting, I think you can steer the boat. I am needed in + the rowboat with Jane," interrupted Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Girls, I am afraid it is going to be a pretty hard pull in + this heat. Hadn't we better wait until the evening?" suggested + the guardian.</p> + + <p>Harriet and Jane protested that they didn't mind the heat at + all, and that they could pull the big boat over to the island + without the least difficulty. Miss Elting offered no further + objections. The "Red Rover" was a scene of activity from that + moment on. All hands except Tommy assisted in getting the + anchor aboard. Harriet and Jane, without loss of time, jumped + into the rowboat and began pulling away. It was hard work to + get the houseboat started, but once under way it followed along + fairly well.</p> + + <p>Miss Elting handled the tiller, while Hazel, Margery and + Tommy acted as lookouts to inform the rowers if any motor boats + were sighted. The lookouts watched the lake through their + glasses. The sun glaring down on the red sides of the "Red + Rover" made the boat visible as far as eyes could reach. It was + even discovered by one of the Tramp Club boys, but so slowly + did it move that he was not aware that it was moving at all. + From the other side of the lake the houseboat appeared to be + standing still, until finally it disappeared altogether. He + wondered a little over this at the time, then forgot all about + the circumstance until later.</p> + + <center> + <a href='images/img102-lg.png'><img src= + 'images/img102-sm.jpg' + width='275' + height='431' + alt='Miss Elting Handled the Tiller.' + title='Miss Elting Handled the Tiller.' + border="0"></a><br> + <small><b>Miss Elting Handled the Tiller.</b></small> + </center> + + <p>In the meantime Harriet and Crazy Jane were heading toward + the Island of Delight, pulling at the oars with backs bent to + their task. They were destined to have a most delightful time + on this their Island of Delight and to experience some thrills + as well, and Harriet's plans were to work out better than she + knew.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_IX'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER IX</h2> + + <h3>THE TRAMP CLUB IS ALARMED</h3><br> + + + <p>Now that they were masked by the island, the girls also were + shut off from a view of the lake, save for the narrow ribbon of + water that lay between them and the nearby shore, so they rowed + faster than before.</p> + + <p>"Can you steer into this opening?" called Harriet.</p> + + <p>"I am afraid I can't," answered Miss Elting. "You will have + to put me aboard, Jane, I'll have Hazel help you pull in; then + we shall have to push the rest of the way."</p> + + <p>Harriet Burrell sprang on board a few minutes later. She set + Miss Elting and Margery at work with poles at the stern of the + boat pushing, as soon as they entered the shallow water. Tommy + had been posted on the upper deck, from which the awning posts + had been removed. Tommy's business was to hold her arms out at + right angles to her body and by moving them as directed + indicate to Harriet which way to steer. It will be remembered + that Harriet was unable to see over the deckhouse from where + she stood when guiding the craft. She could see only by leaning + out on either side.</p> + + <p>They entered the narrow channel very slowly. But no sooner + had they gotten well in than a cry from Tommy Thompson told + them that the little lisping girl was in trouble.</p> + + <p>Tommy had been swept from her feet by the foliage. Not only + that, but in floundering about she had rolled over the side of + the boat. A mighty splash and a second cry gave additional + evidence that Tommy was in further difficulties.</p> + + <p>"Help me! I'm in the water!" she screamed, coming up + sputtering and coughing.</p> + + <p>"Stay there and push," answered Harriet, laughing so that + she bumped the nose of the houseboat into the bank on the right + side of the creek. "You can't get any wetter. The water is + shallow. Come. Don't hold up the ship."</p> + + <p>Tommy had no intention of pushing. Her sole ambition at this + moment was to get aboard.</p> + + <p>"You may do your own piloting after thith," she declared, + sitting down on the stern of the boat with a suggestion of a + sob in her voice.</p> + + <p>"There, there, Tommy. You must learn to take the bitter with + the sweet. We must do that all through life," comforted Harriet + wisely. "You aren't hurt."</p> + + <p>"No, but I'm wet. My feelingth are hurt, too."</p> + + <p>"Don't think about it any more," advised Harriet. "Go into + the cabin and change your wet clothes. Then you'll feel + better."</p> + + <p>"Will you steer, Miss Elting?" Harriet asked the guardian. + "We are slowing down too much. If we stop it will be difficult + to get another start."</p> + + <p>The boat moved faster when Harriet took hold of the pushing + pole. Jane had ceased rowing because she was at the end of her + tow line and had proceeded as far into the cave-like opening in + the rocks as she could go. She pulled the rowboat to one side + and called to the helmswoman of the "Red Rover" not to run her + down.</p> + + <p>"Snub her nose against the side. We don't want to bump into + the rocks," ordered Captain Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Thnub whothe nothe?" questioned Tommy apprehensively.</p> + + <p>"The boat's, of course, you goose," answered Harriet + laughingly. "That's it. Will it go in clear, Jane?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, all right."</p> + + <p>"Good. I was certain it would."</p> + + <p>"How are we going to keep the boat in here? It will drift + out with the current, will it not?" asked the guardian.</p> + + <p>"We will put out the anchor at the other end, giving it a + short rope. That will hold us. The current is not swift."</p> + + <p>While she was holding the "Red Rover" in place, Jane and + Miss Elting dragged the anchor to the inner end of the opening, + put it over and made it fast with a shortened rope.</p> + + <p>"There. Now let's sit down and rest our backs," exclaimed + Harriet. Her face was red and perspiring. "I'm tired."</p> + + <p>"Harriet, you must be tired. You have wonderful endurance," + said the guardian.</p> + + <p>"Tho am I tired. I'm worn out," declared Tommy.</p> + + <p>"Tired? Why, you haven't done a thing, you dear little + goose," chuckled Crazy Jane.</p> + + <p>"I know that. It maketh me tired to watch you folkth work. + Now, what crathy thing are we going to do?"</p> + + <p>"After we have rested we are going to explore our Island of + Delight. Won't that be splendid?" questioned Harriet, with + glowing eyes. "Just imagine that we are on an unknown, + mysterious island. Perhaps there are savages, wild beasts + and——"</p> + + <p>"And thingth," finished Tommy.</p> + + <p>"Yes, and things," agreed Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps there is another phase of this game of hide and + seek that you have not thought of, Harriet," pondered Miss + Elting. "How are we to get fresh supplies?"</p> + + <p>"There are several farmhouses within half an hour's row of + us. By going to them early in the evening we shall not be + discovered."</p> + + <p>Miss Elting nodded. Margery wanted to know how long they + were going to stay in that hole in the ground.</p> + + <p>"Until you girls get tired of it," answered Harriet + good-naturedly. "As I understand our arrangement, we have the + privilege of expressing our choice in all matters that come up, + Miss Elting's decision being final. What a glorious place this + is!"</p> + + <p>"Aren't we going to explore our Island of Delight now?" + demanded Jane.</p> + + <p>"It is your discovery—yours and Harriet's," was Miss + Elting's smiling reply. "Suit yourselves as to exploring + it."</p> + + <p>"We have time to look about a little before night," answered + Harriet. "It won't be dark for a little while yet."</p> + + <p>They were about to start out when the distant chug of a + motor boat was heard. "I guess we will not go just yet," she + added. "Wait. I'll row down to the mouth and see if it is the + Tramp Club's boat."</p> + + <p>Harriet paddled part way to the lake edge, then finding the + bank accessible, sprang out and crept the rest of the way on + shore. She was in time to see a power boat moving slowly past. + It was close to the shore of the island. Several young men were + aboard. One was standing up, gazing toward the island, one hand + shading his eyes. Harriet chuckled when she recognized the + standing boy as George Baker. There could be no doubt that the + boys were looking for the Meadow-Brook Girls. The watching girl + chuckled with delight. Then the thought occurred to her that + some way must be found to communicate with the boys soon, so + that the latter might know they were safe. Just how that was to + be accomplished Harriet did not know. The launch soon passed on + out of sight.</p> + + <p>As a matter of fact, Captain George Baker and his companions + were a little disturbed over not finding the "Red Rover." Sam + said he had seen the boat that afternoon, and unless it had + picked up a tow the houseboat could not be far away. They moved + along the shore, peering into each cove on that side of the + lake until twilight fell and it was no longer light enough to + see into the shadows.</p> + + <p>"It's my opinion that those girls will win the wager unless + we do some hustling," declared Larry Goheen, when they had once + more returned to their camp on the other side of the lake.</p> + + <p>"Harriet Burrell is very clever," answered George. "I wish + we had gone ashore over there near where we last saw the 'Red + Rover.' I'll tell you what we'll do. We'll run over there + to-morrow and make inquiries of the farmers nearby. We ought at + least to get some trace of them."</p> + + <p>The boat turned homeward after having encircled the island. + Harriet, as soon as the motor boat had passed on out of sight, + hurried back to her companions.</p> + + <p>"Girls! It's the boys," she cried. "They are looking for us. + I could see that. They were so close to the island that I could + almost have hit them with a stone."</p> + + <p>"Provided you could throw straight," interjected Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>"Yes. I wouldn't have to be a very good thrower to reach a + boat so close as that one was."</p> + + <p>"Shall we go exploring now?" asked Margery.</p> + + <p>"I don't believe it would be prudent. Those boys are sharp. + They may be on the island at this very moment. I don't hear + their boat any more," replied Harriet.</p> + + <p>"We will postpone exploring until to-morrow," announced Miss + Elting. "And now, suppose we get supper? This is a cosy place. + I never saw a more delightful nook. To-morrow morning, if the + coast be clear, we will look about us. How about the + farmhouse?"</p> + + <p>"I am going over there as soon as it gets a little + darker."</p> + + <p>Harriet did not go until after supper, which proved to be + one of the most enjoyable meals to which the girls had ever sat + down. Their surroundings were so romantic that the situation + appealed strongly to each of them. The Meadow-Brook Girls were + in high good humor. Later in the evening, Harriet, accompanied + by Jane and Hazel, paddled the rowboat out from the island and + rowed almost straight across to the shore of the mainland. + Hiding their boat in some bushes they made their way to a + farmhouse, and there arranged for milk. Harriet had a + confidential chat with the woman of the house, who readily + agreed to the girl's proposition to assist in fooling the boys. + The woman further agreed to provide them with such supplies as + they needed. For such as they took with them the girls paid + then and there. Harriet chuckled all the way back to the + island. She believed that she had planned in such a way as + thoroughly to mystify George Baker and his friends, and at the + same time convince the latter that the Meadow-Brook Girls were + not in trouble.</p> + + <p>Reaching the island they found their companions eagerly + awaiting them. To Miss Elting, Harriet confided her plan. Then, + after a happy evening, the houseboat party went to bed, looking + forward with keen expectation to what awaited them on the + morrow, when Harriet's new plan was to be tried.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_X'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER X</h2> + + <h3>THEIR SUSPICIONS AROUSED</h3><br> + + + <p>That night there was a shower. The rain, beating down on the + foliage and the end of the houseboat that protruded from the + cave, served to freshen the air and brought out the fragrance + of green leaves and flowers. When the sun came out next morning + every leaf and petal was glistening, birds were singing + overhead and the girls uttered exclamations of delight as they + ran out in their bathing suits and jumped into the water for + their morning baths.</p> + + <p>For several moments they splashed about in the shallow + water, then, scrambling aboard their houseboat, enjoyed brisk + rub downs, after which their appetites were sufficiently + sharpened to cause them to hurry the breakfast with all + possible speed. They ate under the light of the lamp that hung + from the cabin ceiling. Had the foliage not been so wet they + would have permitted the "Red Rover" to drift out from under + the rocks, but it was decided that the trees were too wet for + this, so they ate in the darkened cave.</p> + + <p>Immediately after breakfast they put on their old khaki + skirts, that they had worn part of the time on their long tramp + across country the previous season, and started out on their + deferred exploring trip about the island. Exclamations of + delight were frequent. The island was full of rocky nooks and + dells; there were numerous wild flowers, while in the great + trees that overhung the shore of the island an occasional + squirrel whisked back and forth.</p> + + <p>"It really is the Island of Delight!" cried Crazy Jane. "How + I wish my dear old dad were here! Wouldn't he want to buy this + island? I'm going to ask him to come here some day, but I'm + afraid he'll say he hasn't the time."</p> + + <p>"This island is too large to explore this morning," declared + Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"It may take some days," Harriet nodded, as they strolled + about, "but it will be delightful work."</p> + + <p>On the outer side they discovered evidences that picnic + parties had been there. And then they came upon the remains of + a campfire, but it was a small one, as though there had been + but a solitary camper, and that some time back.</p> + + <p>"I hope no one comes while we're here," murmured + Margery.</p> + + <p>"How selfish!" laughed Hazel.</p> + + <p>By seven o'clock the delighted girls began to retrace their + steps toward the houseboat.</p> + + <p>"Now, let's go down to the shore and take a look out over + the lake," proposed Harriet, and this was done.</p> + + <p>There were several boats in sight, but at the distance these + looked like mere specks. A large excursion steamer was passing + in the middle of the lake. Feeling quite certain that they were + in no danger of being discovered the girls found a place in the + sunlight and there sat down to bask in the pleasant warmth of + the sun.</p> + + <p>"Get back, at once!" cried Harriet, suddenly springing to + her feet, then crouching. "We don't want to be seen."</p> + + <p>The girls retreated up the shore in some confusion, not + stopping to ask questions until they were concealed.</p> + + <p>"Oh, now I hear it," cried Hazel. "A motor boat coming! Do + you think it's the one the boys are using?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know," Harriet replied, "but it's heading straight + for the island, and we must be ready to seek hiding on the 'Red + Rover.'"</p> + + <p>Anxious eyes peered through the bushes, watching the + approaching boat for some time.</p> + + <p>"It <i>is</i> the boys!" announced Miss Elting finally.</p> + + <p>Tommy leaped up, and started to run.</p> + + <p>"Wait!" commanded Harriet. "Let's make sure what they are + going to do before we run away. We may have to creep across + that open space there. I think they can see it from the lake. + If they are coming to land on the island they will have to go + farther to the right. That will be our time to get back."</p> + + <p>But the Tramp Club had no intention of landing at that + moment. They were nearing the island for the purpose of looking + it over. When they had come as close as they cared to run they + turned the boat sharply and moved along at a slower rate of + speed. They were out of sight of the girls a few moments after + that.</p> + + <p>"Now for the boat. They are going around to the other side + of the island," declared Harriet. "I think our plan is going to + work."</p> + <hr style='width: 45%;'> + + <p>For some reason George Baker was considerably interested in + that island. There were many other islands in the lake, but + this one had come to hold a sort of fascination for him.</p> + + <p>"I don't believe they are over there," reflected George.</p> + + <p>"We should have seen them yesterday if they had been," + answered Billy Gordon. "It's a jolly place, though. We'll come + over here and camp when we get ready. It is seldom that any one + goes there."</p> + + <p>"Where's that farmhouse we saw yesterday?" questioned + Sam.</p> + + <p>"On the other side of the lake, about half way down," + answered Gordon. "There is a pier there so we can land."</p> + + <p>Of course all of this the Meadow-Brook Girls did not hear. + But, having reached the houseboat, they made their way down the + inlet, and were near the mouth of it when they sighted the + motor boat on that side of the island. The girls saw it head + straight for the pier where Harriet had landed the previous + evening on her way to the farmhouse for supplies. The boys tied + up the boat and two of them got out and went up the slope + toward the farmhouse.</p> + + <p>The two boys, George and Billy, returned to the motor boat + walking rapidly.</p> + + <p>"Did you find out anything?" called Sam.</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"Anything wrong?" asked Larry.</p> + + <p>"I don't know. It's a puzzle," replied Captain Baker. "Two + of them were up at that farmhouse last night. The queer thing + about it is that the woman up there saw the 'Red Rover' lying + down here yesterday. Then the boat was gone when she looked + again. I don't understand it."</p> + + <p>"Some one gave them a tow. Don't you tumble to that?" asked + Sam.</p> + + <p>"Where to?"</p> + + <p>"I give it up. I don't know."</p> + + <p>"If nothing has happened them they can't be far away, or the + girls wouldn't have gone up there last night."</p> + + <p>"What time were they there, George?"</p> + + <p>"Some time after dark. I didn't ask the time. I asked the + woman if they were coming again. She said she didn't know. I + told her we would come back later in the day, and, if she saw + either of the girls in the meantime, to tell them that we + wished to know where they are, as we had something to tell + them. It was after dark when they were there. I don't know what + to make of it."</p> + + <p>"Well, they are all right, so what's the use in worrying?" + asked Larry.</p> + + <p>"Yes, they aren't drowned. I haven't any too much confidence + in that old scow. It is likely to spring a leak and go down any + old time," declared Billy Gordon. "I wouldn't trust myself in + it over night."</p> + + <p>"You are not likely to get the chance," jeered Sam. "What + are we going to do now?"</p> + + <p>"Go on to Wantagh, then to camp. We will come back before + supper. While we are out we'll make inquiries. Some one may + have seen the boat. It probably is laid up in a cove somewhere + along this shore," decided George.</p> + + <p>"We should have seen it if it had been," replied Billy.</p> + + <p>"How about that island? Is there any place along the shore + where they could hide the boat?" questioned Baker.</p> + + <p>Billy shook his head.</p> + + <p>"You have seen the whole island. We went all the way around + it yesterday. It is my opinion that they are going to tie the + score."</p> + + <p>"I am beginning to think so myself. But we'll beat them + yet," chuckled Larry Goheen.</p> + + <p>"We will have to wake up in the morning earlier than we + usually do," returned George. "You ought to have seen the way + they won that walking match. Outwit the Meadow-Brook Girls + three times in succession. Well, try it!"</p> + + <p>"If they are so smart, what's the use in bothering about + them?" answered Larry.</p> + + <p>"Because I don't propose to have them get the best of us + every time," returned George. "That's why I made this + wager."</p> + + <p>"They didn't get the best of us the other night, did they?" + grinned Billy. "We're one trick ahead." All the boys except + George laughed heartily over some little joke of their own.</p> + + <p>"Look here, fellows," said Baker. "We think we are mighty + smart, but I'm telling you that we may not be as smart as we + believe. They may be laughing at us all the time."</p> + + <p>The two boys got into the launch and Billy started the + motor. The launch backed away, turned slowly about, then + followed nearly the same course that it had on the previous + day. This time it crept along still closer to the Island of + Delight. The girls, who were watching it, crouched low, almost + flattening themselves on the ground in their efforts to avoid + discovery. The boys, at one time, seemed to be gazing right at + them.</p> + + <p>Yet even with this keen study of the shores of the island + the Tramp Club boys passed by the entrance to the anchorage of + the "Red Rover" without having discovered the little inlet.</p> + + <p>"I'm going over there to find out what they found out," + cried Harriet. "Who is going along? Tommy, I'll take you, Hazel + and Margery this time if you wish to go. You haven't been out + with me at all."</p> + + <p>The four got into the small boat and rowed across the water + to the same landing where less than half an hour before the + boys' boat had been tied up. What Harriet learned at the + farmhouse, filled her with delight.</p> + + <p>"The boys know we are all right now. They are coming back + again this afternoon. They are going to get another surprise, + girls. Oh, we'll win that camera, won't we? Won't Miss Elting + be amused when she hears what we have to tell her?" said + Harriet.</p> + + <p>"I gueth they won't want to thee uth again," suggested + Tommy.</p> + + <p>"Yes, they will. They have something to tell us," returned + Harriet mysteriously.</p> + + <p>"What is it?" asked Margery.</p> + + <p>"I am not going to say. At least, not until I am sure it is + so. I wonder if they will get suspicious of the island and + search it for us?"</p> + + <p>The Meadow-Brook Girls were on the alert all the rest of the + day. They posted a lookout for the boys, in the person of Hazel + Holland, who was to be depended upon. They drew the "Red Rover" + into the cave as far as it would go, only the tip of the after + deck protruding from the mouth of the cave. There was no more + exploring that day. They did not dare get too far away from + their hidden home, fearing lest the boys might come upon them + unawares. Every boat on the lake in the vicinity was regarded + with suspicion. But it was not until nearly five o'clock that + Hazel came in with the report that the launch was heading + across the upper end of the island, evidently making for the + dock visited by it earlier in the day.</p> + + <p>After reaching the landing, Captain Baker went up to the + farmhouse alone. With his companions he had been searching + along the lake the greater part of the afternoon for + information about the "Red Rover," but without result. It was + therefore with some misgivings that he once more knocked at the + door of the farmhouse.</p> + + <p>"Have you seen anything of the young ladies?" he asked the + instant the door was opened in response to his knock.</p> + + <p>"Oh! You are the young man who was here this morning? Yes, + I've heard from them," replied the woman, with a twinkle in her + eyes that Captain Baker failed to observe.</p> + + <p>"You have? What have you heard?"</p> + + <p>"The young women were here very shortly after you left this + morning."</p> + + <p>"You don't say so? Thank you ever so much. Did they say + where they were stopping?" he questioned eagerly.</p> + + <p>The woman shook her head.</p> + + <p>"But they must be near here?"</p> + + <p>"Maybe they are and maybe they ain't." The farmer's wife did + not know exactly where the girls were, so she had told him no + untruth.</p> + + <p>"Haven't you seen their boat?"</p> + + <p>"Not since the other day."</p> + + <p>"That is queer. I don't understand it," pondered George. + "Did they leave any message for us?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," laughed the farmer's wife, keenly enjoying the + puzzled look on Baker's face. "The young lady left word that if + you wanted to see them you'd have to find them."</p> + + <p>"That's the word, is it?" demanded George grimly, pulling + his hat down over his eyes. "The challenge is accepted, and + we'll find them!"</p> + + <p>"Not!" added Larry Goheen skeptically, when he heard of + George's confident answer.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XI'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XI</h2> + + <h3>MARGERY MAKES A CUSTARD</h3><br> + + + <p>"Oh, dear, but I jutht <i>do</i> wonder what the boyth are + going to do!" lisped Tommy, as the motor boat started once more + on its travels.</p> + + <p>"There's nothing very uncertain, in their own minds," + laughed Harriet. "Just see how fast they're going. They've + decided upon something."</p> + + <p>"They're going back to their camp, but I've an idea they're + going to come over soon," guessed Hazel, "and make a regular + search for us."</p> + + <p>"Something of that sort," agreed Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"Well," said Jane sagely, "from their speed and the + comfortable way they're all sitting, I'm sure the boys are not + doing any guessing about their plans."</p> + + <p>"No. They've pathed the guething over to uth," lisped Tommy + sagely.</p> + + <p>"Anyway," said Jane McCarthy, "if our friends can't find us, + then our enemies can't, either."</p> + + <p>"I hadn't thought of that," Harriet nodded.</p> + + <p>"I wish I knew what the boys' plan is. At any rate we must + begin to think of outwitting them a second time."</p> + + <p>"How?" asked Hazel eagerly.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I have the greatest scheme! That is, if they come back + again," added Harriet. "We will just have those boys so + mystified that they won't know what they are doing."</p> + + <p>"What do you propose to do?" asked Hazel.</p> + + <p>"That is a dark secret. We won't even whisper it to the + little birds yet, lest they carry it to our friends the tramps. + I have an idea that our friends will be back here to-night. + Just what they are going to do I don't know, but I think they + are going to spy on the farmhouse. I wish they would come over + to our Island of Delight. There are a number of things we could + do to puzzle them. And then—"</p> + + <p>"And then the wise housekeeper forgot all about her supper," + interrupted Miss Elting, amid a chorus of laughter and many + blushes from Harriet, who, in the excitement of planning to get + the better of George Baker and his friends, had forgotten her + household duties.</p> + + <p>"Very good. I will confess that I have been dilatory. What + do you girls wish for supper?"</p> + + <p>"The same old thing—the old stand-by, bacon and eggs + and coffee, and—"</p> + + <p>"I know what I am going to have," interrupted Margery. "I'm + going to have some custard. I haven't had any custard since I + left home."</p> + + <p>"Can you make it?" asked the guardian.</p> + + <p>"Of course I can."</p> + + <p>"You are quite sure of that?" teased Harriet.</p> + + <p>"I guess I know. I've made it ever so many times. You will + like it, if you get a chance to eat any of it. I am making this + for myself."</p> + + <p>"Thelfithh," jeered Tommy. "Make me thome plum pudding and + thome angel food while you are about it. I jutht love angel + food and plum duff, ath my father callth it."</p> + + <p>"Custard is good enough for you, Tommy Thompson," laughed + Margery. "May I make the custard, Miss Elting?"</p> + + <p>The guardian nodded smilingly.</p> + + <p>"If you think you can."</p> + + <p>"I'll show you. Where are the milk and the eggs and the + other things?"</p> + + <p>"The milk is in that pail that hangs over the side at the + other end of the boat. The eggs are in the paper box behind the + stove. The rest of your materials are in the supply box. As for + water, there is a lake full of it, enough to make custard for + the whole world," remarked Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"Now you are teasing me—and you, too, Harriet. You + will be glad I thought of it, however, after you have tasted + the custard."</p> + + <p>"After I have tasted it, yes," returned Harriet + significantly.</p> + + <p>That there was some hidden meaning in Harriet's remark, + Margery well knew. That was as near as she got to understanding + just then. Later on she understood more fully.</p> + + <p>"I am afraid you haven't time to make the custard for + supper," added Harriet.</p> + + <p>"It will do for dessert later in the evening. We don't have + to eat everything all at once, you know." Margery was in a + flurry of importance, over the idea of making the custard. + Tommy, despite her apparent indifference, was eagerly waiting + for the custard. It was one of her favorite dishes.</p> + + <p>Buster broke the eggs in an agate dish, then added the milk, + a cupful for each person. The eggs, of course, had first been + beaten up and the sugar added. Harriet, with her skirt pinned + up, was frying bacon and potatoes until the smoke in the cabin + was so thick as to drive out those who were not actively + engaged in getting the supper. Harriet and Margery stuck to + their posts, Tommy Thompson watched the operations from the + deck, now and then coughing to remind them that she was + there.</p> + + <p>"There, I think everything is ready," announced Buster. "How + soon are you going to finish with the oil stove?"</p> + + <p>"Please do not wait for me. I shall not be done here for + some little time. The coffee isn't ground yet. What part of the + stove do you require for your custard?"</p> + + <p>"The oven, of course. Don't you know how to make + custard?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes." Harriet turned her face from her companion, + apparently to avoid the smoke, but in reality that Margery + might not observe her laughter. "Help yourself to the + oven."</p> + + <p>Margery groped about underneath the oil stove, burned her + fingers and bumped her forehead against the edge of the + stove.</p> + + <p>"If you please, don't knock the top of the stove off. We are + some distance from another stove," reminded Harriet.</p> + + <p>"I—I can't find the oven," wailed Margery.</p> + + <p>"Don't you know why?"</p> + + <p>"No-o."</p> + + <p>"That is strange."</p> + + <p>"Where is the oven?"</p> + + <p>"There isn't any on this stove. Hadn't you discovered that + yet, you silly?"</p> + + <p>"No—oven?" repeated Buster.</p> + + <p>"No. No oven."</p> + + <p>"Then I've mixed my custard for nothing?"</p> + + <p>"I am afraid you have unless you can turn the mixture to + some other purpose."</p> + + <p>Margery stared at Harriet in silence, then carefully setting + the dish on the little shelf above the stove she sat down on + the floor and burst into tears.</p> + + <p>Harriet left her frying pan, and, taking Buster firmly by an + arm, lifted the girl to her feet and led her out to the after + deck.</p> + + <p>"Wha—at are you go—oing to do?"</p> + + <p>"Bathe your face for you and set you down on the deck to + cool off," replied Harriet.</p> + + <p>"You knew all the time that there wasn't any oven," sobbed + Buster.</p> + + <p>"Yes, of course I did. So should you have known. I let you + go on—"</p> + + <p>"Because you are mean," interjected the unhappy Margery.</p> + + <p>"No. To teach you to use your eyes. You should learn to be + observing. Didn't you hear us talking about that oven when Jane + brought home the stove?"</p> + + <p>"Ye—es. I had forgotten."</p> + + <p>"Of course you had. Now get ready for supper. To-morrow I + will make an oven of stones on the shore and you shall make + your custard and you shall have it all to yourself, if you + wish, just to punish us for being so mean to you. Will that + satisfy you, Buster?"</p> + + <p>"Ye—ye—yes," answered Buster, with three + distinct catches in her voice.</p> + + <p>"Come, now, dry your eyes, that's a dear," urged Harriet. + "Tommy!"</p> + + <p>"Yeth?"</p> + + <p>"Will you kindly place the chairs. Supper will be served in + the cabin as soon as the coffee is ready."</p> + + <p>Tommy proceeded noisily about her task of putting the chairs + in place at the table. Soon after that Harriet with a dish + towel whipped the smoke out of the cabin and then announced + that supper was ready. Margery's eyes were red and she had + little to say, but her appetite was unaffected by her late + bitter disappointment.</p> + + <p>"Now tell us of your latest scheme, Harriet," urged the + guardian after they had settled down to their supper.</p> + + <p>"My scheme? Which scheme?"</p> + + <p>There was a laugh at Harriet's expense.</p> + + <p>"There, girls! You see. Harriet has so many schemes and + plans in her head that she doesn't know which is which. I mean + your second scheme for fooling the Tramp Club, Harriet."</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes. I know. I am not going to put it into operation + until to-morrow. You may not approve of it, but I hope you + will."</p> + + <p>"I don't think you have reason to complain of my opposing + your plans, Harriet. To tell the truth, I enjoy them as much as + you. But before we go any further with our discussion, do you + not think it would be an excellent idea to hang a blanket over + that rear door. The light might attract attention from the lake + and bring undesirable persons here."</p> + + <p>"Thank you. I never thought of it." Harriet rose at once. + Selecting a long blanket, she fastened it over the doorway, + after which she drew down the shades. The door at the other end + of the boat opened on to a solid wall of rock, so that no light + could escape from that end. Harriet was about to resume her + seat at the table, when she paused sharply, raising her hand as + a signal for silence.</p> + + <p>"What is it, dear?" asked Miss Elting in a low voice.</p> + + <p>"I heard a shout. There is it again. Did you hear?"</p> + + <p>The guardian and the other girls nodded.</p> + + <p>"It isn't far from here. May I go down to the end of the + creek and find out what it means?"</p> + + <p>"Wait a moment." The guardian turned down the light, then + stepped out to the after deck, followed by the girls. From the + deck they could hear the shouts much more plainly, but the + shouters were too far away to make it possible to distinguish + what they were saying.</p> + + <p>"Yes, you may go, but do nothing imprudent," added Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>"I will try not to do so."</p> + + <p>"May I go with you, Harriet?" asked Jane.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps it would be better for me to go alone." Miss Elting + agreed with this, fearing that the girls might begin to laugh + or talk and thus attract attention to themselves. Harriet + quickly got the rowboat and began pushing her way down through + the overhanging foliage that smote her in the face with every + move of the oar.</p> + + <p>The night was very dark. She had to feel her way along, but + even at that the boat frequently bumped into the bank. Reaching + the lake, she paused to look and listen. Not more than ten rods + above she saw lights on the shore of the island and a light on + the water. A motor boat chugged a few times, the plash of an + oar followed, then more shouts.</p> + + <p>"I simply must find out what is going on there," muttered + Harriet. "I wonder if it can be—Yes, I'll row a little + further along. No one will see me unless I get within range of + the lanterns there."</p> + + <p>Taking careful note of the entrance to their secret creek + that she might recognize the spot when she returned, Harriet + crept to the stern of the rowboat and using one oar as a paddle + propelled the boat through the water as quietly as + possible.</p> + + <p>As she neared the scene of activity the voices of the + newcomers grew louder. Harriet finally ceased paddling and + permitted her boat to drift, steering well into the shadows, + hugging the shore of the island until she could touch it with + an oar. Unless she splashed with the oar, she was reasonably + certain of being able to avoid discovery. The Meadow-Brook girl + was now within a few yards of where the operations were going + on. Her eyes were fixed on the outlines of a launch in which + two persons appeared to be working, when all at once and with a + suddenness that nearly brought a cry to her lips, a canoe shot + out of the shadows directly ahead of her and sped noiselessly + out into the lake. The girl did not even remember to have seen + any one in the canoe so quickly had it appeared and + disappeared. She wondered, too, at the skill that enabled one + to paddle without noise. A gentle ripple—the wake of the + canoe—splashed against the bows of her own boat.</p> + + <p>"Surely, I am not dreaming," whispered the girl. "I must + have startled the man. Who could it have been, and is it + possible that he has been here watching us?" A number of + surmises entered the mind of Harriet Burrell. She collected her + thoughts quickly and held her boat with the oar, for she was + drifting perilously close to the launch. She was now in plain + sight of the campers on shore. She could hear every word that + was uttered there.</p> + + <p>Harriet listened for fully fifteen minutes. All at once, she + swung the rowboat about, leaning her body to one side to assist + in the turning. The second oar that had been laid across the + seats lengthwise of the boat rolled to the other side with a + rumble and a clatter that to her strained nerves sounded like + thunder.</p> + + <p>"Who's there?" called a voice from the launch.</p> + + <p>There was no reply. Harriet, in her haste to get away, + splashed noisily. She heard a quick exclamation, then the sound + of two people jumping into a rowboat. She knew it was the + rowboat she had seen lying alongside the launch. She knew, too, + that the rowers were pursuing her. But even then Harriet did + not lose her presence of mind. Instead of doing so, she dipped + her oars and sent the boat shooting ahead, with the water + rippling away from the bows, making a noise that she feared her + pursuers would hear and thus be able to locate her position + accurately. Harriet had not once glanced over her shoulder, but + her ears were on the alert and by the sense of sound she was + able to gauge the distance between herself and the pursuing + boat.</p> + + <p>"They're gaining on me!" she muttered. "But I'm going to + fool them just the same."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XII'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XII</h2> + + <h3>MAKING AN EXCITING DISCOVERY</h3><br> + + + <p>The Meadow-Brook girl did not dare to go on and enter the + secret channel for fear of exposing the hiding place of the + houseboat. She was watching for some other nook into which to + drive her boat. In case her pursuers discovered her she + determined to jump out and make her escape as best she could, + leaving the boat on the beach. Then a sudden idea occurred to + her.</p> + + <p>Harriet picked up a tin dipper that lay in the boat and that + had been used for bailing. This she hurled as far out in the + lake as she could throw it. The dipper fell with a splash that + was plainly heard both by herself and those in the pursuing + boat.</p> + + <p>"Out there he is!" cried a voice in the other boat. She + heard the pursuers head out. Harriet took advantage of the + opportunity to move her rowboat ahead a few rods. She then + turned it sharply to the shore. The girl was fortunate in being + able to find cover in the overhanging foliage, behind which she + took refuge. The water was quite shallow there. The keel of the + rowboat touched bottom. She heard the grating sound as the boat + grounded, but knew that she was not so firmly aground that she + could not get away.</p> + + <p>The men in the rowboat found neither the dipper nor the boat + of which they were in pursuit. Instead of rowing on, they + craftily turned sharply in toward shore in order to get the + benefit of the shadows. One within the shadow could see out + fairly well, but to one who was out in the lake, the shores and + the water for some rods about were enveloped in blackness.</p> + + <p>"Pull out a little, but keep close to the shore," commanded + a voice. "That fellow played some sort of trick on us and has + gone on. It's curious we didn't hear him. Row fast and I'll + keep watch. If he gets out into the lake we've got him."</p> + + <p>The rowboat shot past Harriet Burrell's hiding place so + close that she might have reached out an oar and touched it. + She was tempted to give the person in the stern of the boat a + poke with her oar, but wisely refrained from doing anything of + the sort. After the boat had passed, Harriet sat perfectly + still, arms folded, a quiet smile on her face.</p> + + <p>"Harriet Burrell, you are a pretty good scout, after all. + You wouldn't have made such a bad Indian. I'll rap on + wood."</p> + + <p>She drummed on the gunwale of the boat. "I hope they won't + go far. The girls will worry if I do not return soon. Still, + Miss Elting will know that there is a good reason for my + remaining away so long. There they come."</p> + + <p>The rowboat was returning. The rowers were moving more + slowly now, talking and wondering as to the man who had been + spying on them. They passed her talking loudly. One of them was + threatening vengeance. The girl waited until they had rowed a + safe distance from her, after which she cautiously pushed her + boat out and began rowing toward home. Harriet was chuckling + under her breath, but her eyes and ears were on the alert. She + had not forgotten that canoe. Any person who could paddle like + that was well worth looking out for.</p> + + <p>Harriet rowed past the entrance to their retreat without + having observed it. But it was only a few moments later when + she discovered her error. She turned her boat more carefully + this time, then rowed it into the secret waterway. So quietly + did she enter that her companions did not discover her until + the nose of her rowboat bumped the scow.</p> + + <p>There was a little scream, quickly suppressed by Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>"Is that you, Harriet?" she questioned, with no trace of + alarm in her voice.</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"You were so quiet about it that you gave me the creeps," + declared Margery.</p> + + <p>"Did you find them, Harriet?" asked Jane.</p> + + <p>"Yes. And they came near to finding me too. They chased me + nearly all the way home. I hid in the bushes and waited. They + passed me and came on this way, I should judge nearly up to the + entrance, after which they turned about and went back. That + isn't the only strange experience I have had since I left you." + Harriet related the incident of the mysterious canoe.</p> + + <p>"What were the men doing?"</p> + + <p>"They were pitching camp. We are going to have near + neighbors," answered Harriet, unshipping the oar and tying the + rowboat to the scow.</p> + + <p>"Of course, you do not know who they are?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, I do. It is George Baker and his friends."</p> + + <p>A chorus of exclamations greeted this announcement.</p> + + <p>"They have come over here to find us. I think we will play + our second trick on them to-night. It won't do to wait until + to-morrow. We will get caught if we do."</p> + + <p>"Those boys certainly are persistent. They must suspect that + we are in hiding somewhere hereabouts."</p> + + <p>"Yes. I wanted them to think so. I did not wish them to + believe we had been drowned and have the entire lakeside out + looking for us. That wouldn't be fun. It is more fun to tease + and tantalize them."</p> + + <p>"Maybe they've got an oven tho Buthter can make her + cuthtard," suggested Tommy Thompson.</p> + + <p>"Please do be quiet, Tommy. We want to hear about the Tramp + Club and what we are to do to outwit them," said Miss Elting. + "Did they bring their tent with them, Harriet?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. At least they have a small tent. I don't believe they + have moved their permanent camp, but they are here in force, + that is certain. Now, I'll tell you about the surprise I + propose to give them."</p> + + <p>Harriet explained briefly. At first the girls were not in + favor of it, but after she had gone into further details they + grew enthusiastic.</p> + + <p>"You certainly do love to work, don't you, Harriet Burrell?" + said Miss Elting with a laugh. "But it is good for you. I like + to see you all active. One is likely to grow lazy on a + houseboat."</p> + + <p>"Not on thith houtheboat," complained Tommy. "It keepeth me + tired out all the time watching other folkth work. My boneth + ache all night long, I am tho tired. When I get home I'll + thleep for a month to make up for lotht time."</p> + + <p>"Had we better start now, Harriet?" asked the guardian.</p> + + <p>"Oh, mercy, no; The boys are up yet and perhaps out on the + lake. I propose that we go to bed, setting our alarm clock for + two o'clock in the morning."</p> + + <p>"Help, help!" moaned Margery. "You'll be the death of + me."</p> + + <p>"Thave me!" murmured Tommy.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XIII'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2> + + <h3>AN EARLY MORNING SURPRISE</h3><br> + + + <p>Half an hour after Harriet had outlined her scheme to + surprise their friends, the girls were in bed. They were tired, + as usual, and went promptly to sleep.</p> + + <p>In the meantime the Tramp Club boys had been busy making + camp. They built up a campfire, and, before going to bed, + cooked some fish that had been caught by one of their number + that day.</p> + + <p>"I don't believe the Meadow-Brook Girls are in these parts + at all," declared Larry Goheen.</p> + + <p>"It's a lark coming over here for a night's camping out, + anyway," answered Billy Gordon, "It is like being real + Indians."</p> + + <p>"We aren't Indians," answered George, "It is those girls who + are the Indians. I'd just like to see any other girls in the + state of New Hampshire make the hike they did that last day we + were on the trail. They may be twenty miles from here by this + time. If we don't find them to-morrow I, for one, shall be in + favor of making a trip around the lake in the launch. We can + pretend that we had to go on an errand, or for some fishing + bait or something of the sort. We mustn't let them know we have + been looking for them."</p> + + <p>It was after midnight when the boys turned in. They, too, + went sound asleep directly they rolled up in their blankets in + their little tent. Two hours later while the Tramp Club were + oblivious to sound and time, the alarm clock on the "Red Rover" + went off with a thrilling whirr. The girls sprang from their + cots, Margery and Tommy protesting over being awakened at that + unseemly hour, as they characterized it. Harriet lighted the + oil stove and put the kettle on. The others went out to the + deck to wash their faces. Harriet, having finished her labors + for the time being, followed them.</p> + + <p>The air was chill at that hour. The girls were shivering, + Tommy's teeth, chattered. She stammered as well as lisped when + she essayed to speak now.</p> + + <p>"One more night like this, and Tommy won't be able to talk + at all," chuckled Jane.</p> + + <p>"My kingdom for another such a night, then!" returned + Margery fervently.</p> + + <p>"Buthter ith too fat to feel the cold," observed Tommy + Thompson. She loved to tease Margery, and to mention her weight + always annoyed Buster. Margery was unable to think of anything + sufficiently irritating to fit that particular case, so she + tossed her head and remained silent, while Tommy's twinkling + eyes were fixed upon her.</p> + + <p>By the time they had washed and dressed the tea kettle was + singing merrily. It was a welcome sound and made the girls feel + almost warm. Miss Elting, being first dressed, made the coffee. + Harriet set out some biscuits, together with the milk and + sugar.</p> + + <p>"Now, I think we are ready," she announced.</p> + + <p>After drinking the hot coffee the girls felt themselves + equal to almost any task. The fire was put out and the light in + the cabin extinguished, then Harriet and Jane stepped + noiselessly into the rowboat after fastening the tow line to + the scow.</p> + + <p>"All aboard," called Harriet softly.</p> + + <p>The "Red Rover" moved to the sound of muffled splashes; then + a few moments later silence settled over the secret + channel.</p> + <hr style='width: 45%;'> + + <p>It was early on the following morning that Captain George + Baker opened his eyes sleepily. He yawned, blinked and sat + up.</p> + + <p>"I guess I'll take an early morning plunge," he decided. "I + won't wake up all day if I don't." Donning his bathing suit he + stumbled out to the lake and permitted himself to fall in. The + captain splashed and paddled about in the cool water for a + quarter of an hour. His companions were still sleeping. George + did not awaken them, preferring to take a solitary swim and rub + down before calling them out.</p> + + <p>At last the captain of the Tramp Club emerged dripping from + the water and ran quickly for the tent. A few minutes later he + appeared dressed for the day. Walking down to the shore of the + lake he gazed across the water then uttered a sudden yell and + began dancing up and down.</p> + + <p>"Come out, fellows! Come out!" he howled, "Look! Look!"</p> + + <p>Larry Goheen, Billy Gordon and the others came tumbling out, + rubbing their eyes and blinking sleepily.</p> + + <p>"What's the row?" cried Billy.</p> + + <p>"Mean shame to play pranks on a fellow when he's dead for + sleep," growled Sam.</p> + + <p>"Now, what did you do it for?" demanded Larry. "Explain, or + in the lake you go!"</p> + + <p>"I've already been in the lake. I'm dressed for the day. But + open your eyes. You are the sleepiest lot of fellows I ever + saw. Why, a baby could stalk you and you'd never hear it say + 'goo.' Come, don't you sleepy-heads see anything that interests + you?"</p> + + <p>Instead of looking out over the lake they were looking at + George.</p> + + <p>"Wait, I'll draw a map of the scene and write a directory to + the map. Even then you'd need a private tutor to explain it to + you. Look over there? Do you see anything? Wait, I'll get the + telescope."</p> + + <p>Following the direction indicated by Captain George's + upraised arm the boys gazed and as they gazed their eyes grew + wide with wonder. Then suddenly an ear-splitting yell rose from + the lips of the Tramp Club.</p> + + <p>"It's the 'Red Rover'!" shouted Sam.</p> + + <p>"We've found them at last, the tramps!" cried Larry Goheen, + his shock of fiery red hair fairly standing on end.</p> + + <p>"We've found them?" scoffed George. "Guess again, Reddy. You + mean they have found themselves for us."</p> + + <p>"Well, what do you know about that?" wondered Billy. "Where + in the world did they come from?"</p> + + <p>"They probably rose from the sea like Neptune," scoffed + George.</p> + + <p>The "Red Rover" lay idly rising and falling on the slight + swell, standing out a glistening flame in the bright morning + sunlight. There were no signs of life on board. The boat was + anchored some distance from the camp occupied by the boys, but + not far out from the shore of the island. Naturally the + houseboat was a little distance from the secret channel.</p> + + <p>"Come on, fellows, let's go out and see them," urged Larry + enthusiastically.</p> + + <p>George gave him a withering look.</p> + + <p>"The girls are not yet up. Can't you see that? A fine + opinion of us they would have, were we to go out there at this + hour. Do you know what time it is?"</p> + + <p>"I can't see well enough in the morning to tell the time of + day," replied Larry, with a wry twist of his mouth.</p> + + <p>"Well, it is a quarter after five."</p> + + <p>The boys groaned.</p> + + <p>"Fine time to get a party of gentlemen out of bed," growled + Sam. "What are we going to do about it, anyway?"</p> + + <p>"You fellows are going to take a cold plunge, then get into + your clothes. We will have breakfast. I will start the fire + while you are bathing."</p> + + <p>The boys hurried into their bathing suits, and with many a + shout and yell, plunged into the lake. They were making all the + noise they could, hoping to attract the attention of the girls + so as to have the opportunity to get out to the houseboat as + early as possible. But eagerly as the lads gazed up the lake, + the houseboat showed no activity.</p> + + <p>"They must be good sleepers over there," said Larry.</p> + + <p>Captain George smiled to himself.</p> + + <p>"They are only shamming," he muttered under his breath.</p> + + <p>Breakfast was served about an hour later. The fire warmed + the boys, and the coffee and food did likewise. After they had + finished their breakfast they were in great good humor. At half + past eight, there still being no signs of life on board the + houseboat, Billy declared that he was going out in the launch + to see if he couldn't stir up something. All hands piled into + the launch. It was a matter of only a few moments to run to the + houseboat. The boys circled the scow slowly, talking loudly. + The windows of the house were open, the curtains flapping in + the gentle breeze, but the doors at either end were tightly + closed.</p> + + <p>Having failed to attract any attention from the "Red Rover" + the Tramp Boys returned to camp, tied up the motor boat and sat + down to watch and wait. Nine o'clock came, then ten, but still + no sign of life on board.</p> + + <p>Captain George grew a little uneasy. He did not know that + the Meadow-Brook Girls had eaten their breakfast more than an + hour before that, and that the girls were watching the boys, + chuckling over the perplexity of the latter.</p> + + <p>Once more the motor boat was taken out. As they neared the + houseboat for a second time they saw Harriet Burrell come out + to the after deck, and stooping over examine the anchor + rope.</p> + + <p>"Halloo, there!" shouted George.</p> + + <p>Harriet paid no attention to the "halloo." Apparently she + did not hear them. George called again, and when Harriet turned + and entered the house, without having once glanced in George's + direction, he grew red in the face.</p> + + <p>"She didn't hear you," chuckled Larry. "You didn't yell + loudly enough. Why didn't you let me give them a roar? I'll + guarantee to attract the attention of any one within half a + mile of me."</p> + + <p>"Run alongside, Billy. I'm going to make somebody notice + me."</p> + + <p>Billy grinned, then steered the launch up close to the "Red + Rover." George rapped on the deck of the scow with a boathook. + He had rapped several times, and was again getting red in the + face when some one appeared. It was Harriet, who finally opened + the door and peered out. Her face wore an expression of + disapproving inquiry.</p> + + <p>"Good morning," called George. The boys took off their + hats.</p> + + <p>"Why, it's George Baker," cried Harriet as though greatly + surprised to see these visitors. "Girls, come out. Here are the + boys."</p> + + <p>The Meadow-Brook Girls hurried on deck.</p> + + <p>"Where have you been?" questioned Miss Elting. "We did not + think you would desert us in this fashion. We have been + expecting you ever since we last saw you."</p> + + <p>George blinked rapidly. The boys glanced at each other and + looked perplexed and uneasy. Somehow, they had a feeling that + they were being placed in an unenviable light.</p> + + <p>"The question is, where have you been?" asked George in as + gruff a tone as he could assume.</p> + + <p>"Where have we been?" repeated Harriet wonderingly. "Are you + joking, Mr. Baker?"</p> + + <p>"No, I'm not joking. We have been worried about you. Where + have you been?"</p> + + <p>"Why, we have been not far from here all the time. And you + mean to tell me that you didn't know where we were?"</p> + + <p>George shook his head. His companions looked sheepish.</p> + + <p>"Did you sail over here so early in the morning to call on + us?" questioned Harriet innocently.</p> + + <p>"No, we are camping over there."</p> + + <p>"Oh! Then you came over to be near us? Isn't that fine?" + laughed Crazy Jane.</p> + + <p>"We—we thought may—maybe the fishing was better + over here," replied George lamely.</p> + + <p>"Oh, thave me!" muttered Tommy, then fled into the cabin + that they might not observe her laughter.</p> + + <p>"May we come aboard?" asked Billy.</p> + + <p>"Not yet, boys," returned Miss Elting in reply. "Our house + is not set to rights for company. Come over later. We should be + pleased to have you."</p> + + <p>"Say. It's hot out here. Suppose we tow you in nearer to our + camp. There will be more shade there too," suggested Larry.</p> + + <p>"Thank you. That will be nice."</p> + + <p>"Come over and have luncheon with us to-day noon," urged + George.</p> + + <p>Miss Elting also accepted this invitation, rather to the + surprise of the boys. Billy, without loss of time, fastened a + line to the houseboat attaching the other end of the line to a + cleat on the after deck of the launch. In the meantime Larry + had jumped aboard the "Red Rover" and hauled in the anchor for + them. The launch then towed the scow up to the camp of the + tramps. Miss Elting motioned for them to draw the boat a little + beyond the camp, which was done.</p> + + <p>"Cast off," shouted Captain Harriet.</p> + + <p>Jane slipped the tow line then let the anchor go over with a + splash.</p> + + <p>"You girls work just like regular sailors," declared Larry + admiringly.</p> + + <p>"We will see you at noon," called Miss Elting. "You needn't + mind to come out for us. We have our rowboat."</p> + + <p>"No. We will come for you with the launch," answered + Billy.</p> + + <p>As agreed, the boys came out with the launch shortly before + twelve o'clock and took the Meadow-Brook party ashore. George, + with an apron tied about his neck, was deep in preparations for + dinner. Harriet and Jane immediately put on their own aprons, + which they had brought along, and went to work, while Hazel and + Margery bustled about assisting Larry and Sam in getting the + table ready. The boys had arranged rustic seats in place of + chairs, and the table, set under the spreading foliage, looked + very neat and attractive.</p> + + <center> + <a href='images/img028-lg.png'><img src= + 'images/img028-sm.jpg' + width='275' + height='427' + alt='George Was Deep in Preparations for Dinner.' + title='George Was Deep in Preparations for Dinner.' + border="0"></a><br> + <small><b>George Was Deep in Preparations for + Dinner.</b></small> + </center> + + <p>That luncheon was one of the most enjoyable that any member + of the party ever recalled having sat down to. No reference was + made to the mysterious appearance and disappearance of the + Meadow-Brook Girls until near the close of the meal.</p> + + <p>"You haven't told us where you have been all the time," said + Captain Baker with affected gayety.</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes, I have. I told you we had been near here all the + time," answered Miss Elting, smiling tolerantly.</p> + + <p>"But how did you get over to this side of the lake? That is + what you haven't told us," spoke up Billy Gordon.</p> + + <p>"You mean that that is what you wish to tell us," replied + Harriet. "You towed us over of course during the night. You + played the first trick and won. But now you must tell us what + became of the 'Red Rover,' the next day."</p> + + <p>"But we can't," exclaimed George. "We hunted—"</p> + + <p>"Of course you did," laughed Harriet. "We were watching you + all the time."</p> + + <p>The faces of the boys grew crimson. Forks were dropped on + plates with a noisy clatter.</p> + + <p>"What's the use?" cried George Baker, getting up hurriedly. + "Fellows, we've got to confess that we're beaten in the first + round by a lot of girls who are a good deal smarter than we + think we are, or than we ever shall be."</p> + + <p>George sat down again and began mopping the perspiration + from his damp forehead.</p> + + <p>"And that isn't all," continued Harriet, laughing. "Unless + you are prepared to tell us just how we got back into the lake + again we shall consider ourselves entitled to the second + honors, too."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XIV'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2> + + <h3>THE MIDNIGHT ALARM</h3><br> + + + <p>The Meadow-Brook Girls shouted with laughter at this speech. + Then, after a few seconds of hesitation, the boys of the Tramp + Club joined in the merriment.</p> + + <p>"You win," replied George. "We can't answer you. Now tell us + how you disappeared so mysteriously, boat and all, and + reappeared just as suddenly."</p> + + <p>"Excuse me, but I don't propose to reveal our methods of + procedure," laughed Harriet. "Oh, you can't outwit us. You will + find us ready for you every time. We know all about last night, + too."</p> + + <p>"I'd certainly like to know where you were last night," said + Captain Baker.</p> + + <p>"We were near you all the time, and you didn't know us," + laughed Harriet. "Even when you came out here yesterday you + passed us by without a single look. You did not see us. Then + last night, when you were chasing some one whom you thought was + spying on your camp, you passed us again, and—"</p> + + <p>"So that was you, eh?" jeered Larry.</p> + + <p>"Who was I?" answered Harriet innocently.</p> + + <p>"The mysterious boat we were pursuing," answered George, + eyeing her keenly.</p> + + <p>"Harriet ith not a boat," averred Tommy.</p> + + <p>"No. She is a mermaid," declared George with emphasis.</p> + + <p>"I beg to differ with all of you," said Sam. "The + Meadow-Brook Girls are the original will o' the wisps. But you + haven't seen the last of the Tramp Club yet. You have won twice + but you shan't win again. Hereafter we'll be on the alert."</p> + + <p>"You'll have to keep a watch on us night and day then," + chuckled Jane.</p> + + <p>"This pleasant spirit of rivalry makes matters interesting," + interjected Miss Elting. "You have been very kind to us and + helped to make our vacation enjoyable. We enjoy harmless fun as + well as yourselves. I might add that we haven't fully exhausted + our resources, either. And we wish to thank you for warning us + of your intentions."</p> + + <p>The boys blushed sheepishly.</p> + + <p>"Sam, you'd better keep still," suggested George.</p> + + <p>"That's what I say," nodded Larry.</p> + + <p>"Yeth, he talkth too much," agreed Tommy wisely. "But you + ought to have been with uth. We've had an awful time, too."</p> + + <p>"How so?" questioned Billy politely.</p> + + <p>"I fell in the water and Buthter made cuthtard and had no + oven to bake it in, and then—"</p> + + <p>"Who is talking now?" demanded Margery.</p> + + <p>Tommy subsided at once.</p> + + <p>"The question is, are you going to run away from us again?" + demanded George.</p> + + <p>"We never have. Remember, we followed you over here," + suggested Jane. "We shall be near here for some time in all + probability. We have plenty of time. After we get tired of this + spot we probably shall move to some other anchorage, but we'll + be here for a few days yet."</p> + + <p>"Keep your eyes open, or you will miss us again and your + last chance will be gone," warned Harriet.</p> + + <p>"We shall keep our eyes open," answered George with an + emphatic nod.</p> + + <p>The luncheon having been finished, Billy suggested that they + spend the afternoon in exploring the island. This suited + Harriet. She wanted to see how familiar the boys were with + their island. So all started out, leaving the dishes to be + washed later. The girls shook their heads disapprovingly.</p> + + <p>"Oh, we have a patent dish washing machine," announced + Larry. "You see, we dump the whole lot of dishes into the lake + after having smeared them with sand. We leave the dishes there + and the waves wash them. All we have to do is to take them out + and lay them in the sun an hour or so afterwards. As soon as + the dishes dry off they are ready for another meal to be served + on them."</p> + + <p>"Ithn't that jutht like a man?" demanded Tommy.</p> + + <p>"This is Willow Island," Billy informed them after they had + mounted a ridge that commanded a view of about a quarter of the + island.</p> + + <p>"It used to be," answered Harriet. "We have rechristened + it."</p> + + <p>"What have you named it?" said Billy, regarding her + inquiringly.</p> + + <p>"We have named it the 'Island of Delight.' How do you like + it?"</p> + + <p>"Great!" shouted the boys in chorus.</p> + + <p>"Have you been all over it yet?" asked Sam.</p> + + <p>"No, we have not," replied Jane, and with truth, for they + had not yet explored the entire island. They were going to do + so that day.</p> + + <p>Harriet wanted to test their woodsmanship, so she skilfully + led the boys toward the spot where the "Red Rover" had been so + successfully secreted during the time the boys had been + searching for them. By making a wide detour Harriet finally + brought up right over the place where the cave and the secret + creek lay.</p> + + <p>Jane turned away that they might not see her laughter. In + the meantime Harriet and George were discussing the beauties of + the place. She gave him every opportunity to discover the + retreat, but George looked about him with unseeing eyes. As a + matter of fact, Harriet admitted to herself that had she not + known that the stream lay below her she never would have + dreamed of its existence.</p> + + <p>There were smiles on the faces of all the Meadow-Brook Girls + when finally they turned away and slowly beat their trail + through the thick growth of vegetation to the lower end of the + island. They spent some time there, sitting on rocks, watching + the boats on the lake. Many admiring glances were directed + toward the girls by the Tramp Club boys who were very much + pleased with the straightforward friendly manner of the + Meadow-Brook Girls.</p> + + <p>Finally they turned their footsteps homeward, reaching the + camp late in the afternoon. Larry ran on ahead and gazed out + over the water.</p> + + <p>"What do you see?" called Jane.</p> + + <p>"I was looking to see if that 'Red Rover' had disappeared + while we were away," answered the red-headed Larry. "You can't + tell about that craft. It's just as likely not to be there as + it is to be there," he added lamely, then flushed when his + companions laughed at him.</p> + + <p>"You're mixed, Larry," jeered Sam.</p> + + <p>"The 'Red Rover' behaves well when we are away," said the + guardian in reply. "We work our spells on it only when we are + aboard. It would be rather embarrassing to have the 'Red Rover' + disappear while we were absent. By the way, we should be happy + to have you young gentlemen come over and take tea with us this + evening. Will you come?"</p> + + <p>George shook his head.</p> + + <p>"No, thank you. Not to tea. There are too many of us. But + I'll tell you what we will do. We will come over later in the + evening and have a visit and another concert. Larry plays the + banjo. He'll give you an Irish jig if you wish."</p> + + <p>"That would be fine," answered Crazy Jane enthusiastically. + "Now, if I only had my automobile horn, what a lot of noise we + would make, wouldn't we, boys?"</p> + + <p>"Bring the banjo by all means," urged Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>The boys assisted their guests into the rowboat which had + been towed ashore behind the launch. The little boat was well + loaded and settled perilously low after all had gotten in. + Gordon shook his head and declared it wasn't safe. Miss Elting + answered that they didn't mind a wetting.</p> + + <p>The rowboat was pushed out, the girls and the boys waving + and shouting their adieus. During the rest of the afternoon the + girls were busy sewing, ironing, getting their clothes in fit + condition. Supper time came all too soon for them. The dishes + were washed and put away with all speed that night, and about + eight o'clock the boys put off in their own rowboat. Larry was + twanging his banjo on the way over. The "Red Rover" was all + alight in honor of their coming, and following the arrival of + the tramps, a jolly evening was spent. Larry played and the + girls sang. Sam essayed to join in, but ceased his efforts when + his companions threatened to throw him overboard.</p> + + <p>The party broke up about ten o'clock. The boys went home + singing "Good night ladies" to the accompaniment of Larry's + banjo. The girls stood on the upper deck watching the lads + until a shout from the shore told the watchers that their + guests had arrived at the camp.</p> + + <p>"Now, what are your plans for to-morrow, girls?" asked Miss + Elting when they had gone below. "Do you wish to go into + retirement?"</p> + + <p>"No. The boys have invited us for a ride in the launch + to-morrow," answered Harriet. "What troubles me is the matter + of leaving the 'Red Rover' alone so long. I think perhaps it + would be better for me to remain here to look after the boat + while the rest of you go on the motor boat trip."</p> + + <p>The girls declared they would not go at all unless Harriet + went with them.</p> + + <p>"That matter already has been settled," replied Miss Elting. + "I am the one who will remain aboard the 'Red Rover.' Harriet, + you will chaperon the girls on the motor boat ride. That will + settle the objections, and you will be every bit as good a + chaperon as myself."</p> + + <p>The arrangement did not wholly satisfy the Meadow-Brook + Girls. All were very fond of their guardian, and they wished + her to have a part in all their enjoyments. They had not fully + decided upon going when they retired.</p> + + <p>"I wonder if those boys are planning anything for to-night?" + mused Miss Elting, a moment after turning out the lights.</p> + + <p>"Yes," answered Harriet confidently, as if she had been + consulted.</p> + + <p>"What?" demanded a chorus of voices.</p> + + <p>"They are planning to go to bed. I saw them fixing the fire, + just before I got into bed."</p> + + <p>"Oh, fudge!" groaned Margery.</p> + + <p>"Thave me!" wailed Tommy.</p> + + <p>Jane suggested that Harriet ought to have a ducking, then + one by one the girls dropped off to sleep.</p> + + <p>The clock that Harriet consulted showed the hour to be ten + minutes after midnight. She had awakened suddenly, and with a + feeling that something were not as it should be. The girl rose + softly, peering through the window. The "Red Rover" was lying + very quietly, there being little movement of the water. No one + was about, nor was there a boat in sight. She stepped out on + the deck, glancing about in all directions, her eyes finally + fixing themselves on the camp of the Tramp Club.</p> + + <p>"Those boys are up and moving about," she mused. "They have + stirred up the fire." Just then the girl heard the rattle of an + oar in a rowboat. The sound seemed to come from the camp. + Harriet watched a few minutes. Then turning quickly she went + inside.</p> + + <p>"What is it?" demanded Miss Elting sharply. "Who is it?"</p> + + <p>"Harriet. Those boys are awake, and, I think, getting ready + to come out on the lake. I believe they are up to + something."</p> + + <p>"What do you suspect?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know. Would it not be wise to awaken the girls and + all get dressed? We don't want to be caught napping, you + know."</p> + + <p>"I should say not," agreed the guardian. She got up and went + to the window. Their conversation had been carried on in so low + a tone that none of the others had been awakened. Miss Elting + gazed keenly; then, bringing her glasses, peered through them + at the camp of the tramps. "Yes, they are up to mischief of + some sort," she decided, lowering the glasses and laying them + aside. "Girls!"</p> + + <p>"Wha—wha-at?" cried Jane, her feet landing on the + floor almost ere the words were out of her mouth.</p> + + <p>Tommy hopped out of bed a few seconds behind Crazy Jane, but + instead of landing on her feet, the little girl went sprawling + on the floor on her face.</p> + + <p>"Thave me! Are we thinking?" she cried.</p> + + <p>"No, you foolish girl. We aren't sinking," answered Harriet + laughing.</p> + + <p>Margery stood shivering in the middle of the cabin. Hazel + had begun to dress.</p> + + <p>"Dress yourselves at once," ordered Miss Elting. "Be quick + about it. They may not be coming here, but if they are, they + will be here in a very few minutes."</p> + + <p>"Who will be here?" demanded Crazy Jane. "Why don't you tell + us what all the uproar is about?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. You might better tell us than to frighten us half to + death in this way," complained Margery.</p> + + <p>"It is the boys. We think they are coming here to play a + trick on us, and if so, we wish to be ready for them," + explained Harriet, who was hurriedly dressing. The girls lost + no time in putting on their clothes, each dressing herself + completely. Their hair, braided down their backs for the night, + was left as it was. There was no time to do anything with + that.</p> + + <p>"The boys are putting off in the rowboat, or at least + getting ready to do so," Miss Elting informed the girls, after + another look at the camp through the glasses. "What shall we + do?"</p> + + <p>"I will fix it," answered Harriet. She rummaged about at the + rear of the cabin, then ran out to the after deck. They heard + her on the upper deck shortly after that. She soon bustled back + into the cabin.</p> + + <p>"They have started. All of you get up on the deck overhead. + Listen! I will tell you briefly what we will do. We will give + the boys a scare that they won't soon forget."</p> + + <p>There were hurried preparations within the cabin of the "Red + Rover," following Harriet Burrell's quick orders, which were + approved of by Miss Elting. The girls then crept to the upper + deck, where they crouched down, peering across the water that + lay between the houseboat and the island.</p> + + <p>"There they come! Not a word from now on, girls," warned + Miss Elting.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XV'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XV</h2> + + <h3>THE ROUT OF THE PIRATE CREW</h3><br> + + + <p>"Take your positions, and don't miss when I give the order + to let go," commanded Captain Harriet. "Oh, we won't do a thing + to those boys!"</p> + + <p>Margery giggled.</p> + + <p>"Silence!" The captain's voice was stern.</p> + + <p>"If you cannot keep quiet you will have to go below," + rebuked Miss Elting. "You will spoil it all. Now, not another + word."</p> + + <p>The silence of sleep settled over the "Red Rover." A gentle + ripple at the bows gave off a soothing, musical sound, but that + was all. The girls were now able to see a boat approaching them + from the island, though unable to make out the forms of the + occupants of the craft. Miss Elting, with glasses in hand, was + studying the approaching boat. Fortunately the night was dark, + though the stars were shining brilliantly.</p> + + <p>"All lie down!" came the quiet command from the captain of + the "Red Rover." All except Harriet flattened themselves on the + deck. The rowboat drew slowly up toward the scow, then was + permitted to drift in the rest of the way. When almost + alongside, the boys in the rowboat decided to go around to the + other side. This nearly upset the plans of Harriet Burrell, but + she quickly moved her force to the opposite side of the deck + near the stern end. Had the boys been sufficiently alert they + might have caught a faint rattle and a scuffle of feet. They + were too intent on their mission, however, to realize that + anything out of the ordinary was going on aboard the + houseboat.</p> + + <p>A whispered conversation ensued in the rowboat, then two + boys got cautiously to the deck of the cockpit. There followed + a period of silence and a low-spoken command from below.</p> + + <p>A mighty yell suddenly broke from the midnight visitors. + Howls and shrieks, Indian war-whoops and beating on the cabin + with sticks, accompanied the shouts.</p> + + <p>"Pirates! Surrender!" howled a voice that was easily + recognizable as belonging to the red-headed Larry Goheen. + "Whoop! Hi-yi-yip yah!"</p> + + <p>"We will settle the pirates," muttered Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Just listen to those lads," chuckled Crazy Jane.</p> + + <p>"Let go!" The command came sharp and incisive. A rattle of + tin dishes followed. Pails and pans were raised to the rail as + five figures stood up suddenly. "Stand by to repel boarders!" + was the second command. Five pans and pails of water were + tilted, sending a flood of water down on the heads of the + surprised "pirates." From a tub of water on deck the pails were + quickly refilled and the water dumped over the rail. Not many + drops were wasted. Nearly every drop reached a pirate.</p> + + <p>Crazy Jane uttered a shrill war-whoop, then the girls + grabbed and shook her. The amazed pirates were in a panic. + Three of them had been left on the lower deck of the "Red + Rover." The rowboat had been quickly pushed off as soon as the + occupants recovered from their first surprise. The three Tramps + made a leap for the rowboat. They landed in the lake with a + splash and went floundering toward the small boat.</p> + + <p>Tommy climbed to the rail and hurled a pan at the beaten + pirates. But in hurling the pan she lost her balance.</p> + + <p>"Thave me!" she screamed. Tommy plunged sideways from the + rail, making a complete turn in the air, landing in the lake + with a mighty splash.</p> + + <p>Harriet dived off after her, fearing that her little + companion might have been stunned by striking the water on her + back. But Tommy came up before Harriet rose from her dive.</p> + + <p>"Oh, thave me!" wailed Tommy in a choking voice.</p> + + <p>All this had happened without the boys understanding what + was going on. They had taken aboard their three companions and + were pulling into the shadow of the island with all speed. Miss + Elting and Jane had run down to the lower deck. The guardian + cast a rope. Harriet and Tommy brushed the rope aside and swam + easily to the end of the boat, where Harriet assisted Tommy up, + afterwards being herself assisted aboard by Crazy Jane. The two + thoroughly soaked girls staggered into the cabin, where Harriet + sat down on the floor, laughing hysterically.</p> + + <p>Miss Elting pulled down the shades and lighted the lamp. She + stood regarding her charges with a quizzical twinkle in her + eyes.</p> + + <p>"What a mess! What a mess," laughed Crazy Jane. "But we + repelled the boarders, didn't we, darlin'?"</p> + + <p>"They won't try to play any tricks on us after this, I am + sure," agreed the guardian. "I'll warrant they are still + wondering what happened to them. But it was too bad. What a + wetting they did get!"</p> + + <p>"Too bad!" exploded Harriet.</p> + + <p>"No. It served them right," interjected Hazel. "Why, they + might have frightened us to death."</p> + + <p>"They will be at our feet to-morrow," giggled Jane. "Tommy, + did you ever have any one fall at your feet!"</p> + + <p>"Yeth. You know Jake Thpooner? Well, he had a conniption + fit, one day, in the thtreet, and fell down right at my + feet."</p> + + <p>"You mean an epileptic fit. But you shouldn't joke about a + serious matter like that," rebuked Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"I wathn't joking. He did. It wath Buthter who laughed. I + didn't. But Buthter ith fat, you know. Fat folkth alwayth laugh + when they thhouldn't. They thhake all over when they laugh. I'm + glad I'm not fat like Buthter."</p> + + <p>Margery's face was flushed and indignant. Her companions + were laughing merrily at her expense. Harriet had gotten up and + was removing her wet clothing. Miss Elting lifted Tommy, who + also had sat down, and gave her a gentle push toward the + dressing room.</p> + + <p>"Take off your wet clothes and get on your kimono. Girls, + you may as well prepare for bed, too. I don't believe we shall + be troubled by pirates again this night," said the guardian, + with a merry twinkle in her eyes. "You will not want to get up + in the morning when you are called. I fear we are losing too + much sleep these nights."</p> + + <p>While they were preparing for bed Miss Elting took a final + look at the camp of the Tramp Club. There was activity there, + but not nearly so much of it as the last time she had examined + the camp through her glasses. The guardian smiled grimly at + thought of the surprise they had given those fun-loving boys. + They had thought to make good their boast to get the better of + the Meadow-Brook Girls, but had met an ignominious defeat.</p> + + <p>"I should not be surprised to see that camp deserted + to-morrow morning," mused Miss Elting. "I hope not. They are + nice boys."</p> + + <p>"Are they coming out again?" asked a voice at the guardian's + side.</p> + + <p>"No, Harriet. I think not. I am just taking a final look + their way before retiring. Did we leave the pails and pans + upstairs?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. Shall I bring them down?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no. It is not necessary. Morning will be time enough. + Now go to bed. We shall not be disturbed again to-night. Good + night, girls. Sweet dreams."</p> + + <p>"And pleathant nightmareth," mumbled Tommy from under the + blanket. She was found curled up in a ball when the guardian + went over to see that the little girl was comfortable for the + night. The light was blown out just as Harriet sought her cot. + Miss Elting was in bed a moment afterwards, and peace and quiet + again settled over the clumsy "Red Rover." This peace, however, + was not destined to last long. It was to be rudely broken ere + the morning dawned. From down the lake a canoe was coming, + propelled swiftly and silently by a pair of muscular arms. The + canoe, if it continued on its present course, would hit the + "Red Rover" fairly on its nose. But just before reaching the + houseboat, the canoe veered to one side a little and the paddle + trailed the water behind. The canoe glided along to one side of + the "Red Rover," then stopped.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XVI'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2> + + <h3>A MIDNIGHT VISITOR</h3><br> + + + <p>The same dark canoe that Harriet Burrell had seen shoot out + into the lake before her the night she was reconnoitering near + the camp of the Tramp Club was now hovering about the + houseboat. It would have appeared almost uncanny to one not + experienced in canoeing to observe the absolute noiselessness + with which the frail little craft was propelled about the + larger boat. When it was turned, it was as though the boat were + swinging on a pivot. When the half of its length was let down + to the water after such a swing, there followed not the + slightest suggestion of a splash.</p> + + <p>Lulled by the gentle lapping of the water against the side + of the boat, the Meadow-Brook Girls slept soundly. On shore the + boys of the Tramp Club also were sleeping. The girls on board + the "Red Rover," as already mentioned, had no fear of a second + attack that night, nor had the youthful pirates the slightest + intention of repeating the experiment that had turned out so + badly for them and so triumphantly for the Meadow-Brook Girls. + It was quite evident that the newcomer did not belong to the + Tramp Club. His face looked dark and swarthy in the moonlight. + He had straight black hair and high cheek bones and there was a + revengeful light in his sharp black eyes as he scanned the + silent houseboat.</p> + + <p>Once more the canoe shifted its position and slid to a point + directly under one of the little windows. The window was open, + the curtains were streaming out through the opening. The + intruder stood up in his canoe without disturbing its balance + in the least.</p> + + <p>Just about this time Tommy Thompson awoke with a little + gasp. She had been dreaming that Buster, in the guise of a + pirate, was trying to smother her with a sofa pillow. Tommy had + been skirting the edge of one of the "pleathant nightmareth" + she had prophesied for the girls on retiring. She sat up in bed + and rubbed her eyes. Suddenly she uttered a terrified + scream.</p> + + <p>For the second time that night the Meadow-Brook Girls + scrambled from their beds in alarm.</p> + + <p>"Tommy, Tommy, what is the matter?" cried Harriet, springing + to the little girl's side.</p> + + <p>"I thaw the motht terrible fathe," moaned Tommy. "Oh, thave + me."</p> + + <p>"Nonsense, Tommy," laughed Harriet.</p> + + <p>"You've just had one of those nightmares you were talking + about when you bade us good night."</p> + + <p>"No, thir," reiterated Tommy. "I thaw thomething. It wath a + man and he thtood right in front of the window. You thee I wath + dreaming that Buthter wath a pirate, and wath trying to + thmother me with a thofa pillow and all of a thudden I that up + in bed and thaw thith fathe looking in the window at me. That + ith why I thcreamed," concluded Tommy, with dignity. "I didn't + have the nightmare. I tell you I thaw a fathe."</p> + + <p>"How ridiculous," sniffed Buster. "How could she see a face + when we are away out here on the lake. Why look!" she + continued, stepping to the window. "It's bright moonlight, and + there isn't a boat to be seen on the water."</p> + + <p>"Buthter doethn't know what I thaw," retorted Tommy angrily. + "Thhe hathn't my eyeth hath thhe? Buthter maketh me tired."</p> + + <p>"There, there, girls," reproved Miss Elting. "That will do. + Harriet, I think you and I had better dress, then get into the + rowboat and do a little investigating. Perhaps some prowler has + visited the boat while we were asleep. Light the lamp, Jane, + and we'll see if all our belongings are safe."</p> + + <p>Jane and Hazel made a rapid search about the boat while + Harriet and Miss Elting were dressing. Meanwhile Tommy and + Margery sat on the edges of their cots and conducted a spirited + argument as to whether Tommy really had seen a "fathe" at the + window.</p> + + <p>"All ready," called Harriet as she ran to where the rowboat + was fastened. Then she gave a little cry of alarm that brought + Miss Elting and the others to her side on the run.</p> + + <p>"What is it, Harriet?" cried the guardian.</p> + + <p>Harriet stood looking out over the water, a piece of rope in + her hand. "Some one has stolen our rowboat," she gasped. "See, + the rope has been cut."</p> + + <p>"Then the Tramp Club must have come over here again in the + night and stolen it," decided Miss Elting. "Still that would + hardly account for the face Tommy saw at the window, and she is + positive that she really saw some one. I am inclined to think, + however, that she had the nightmare, and simply dreamed about + that frightful face."</p> + + <p>"I can't see that there is anything particularly clever or + original about stealing a rowboat in the dead of night," said + Harriet slowly, "and I don't believe that the boys would think + so either. There is something peculiar about this affair and I + believe that the Tramp Club have had nothing to do with this + latest puzzle."</p> + + <p>"That ith what I think," agreed Tommy. "It wathn't thothe + boyth that thcared me tho."</p> + + <p>"Nothing has been stolen from the boat," declared Hazel, "so + it looks as though our midnight prowler vanished when he heard + Tommy's first scream."</p> + + <p>"I'm going to mount guard for the rest of the night," + announced Jane. "It's half past two now, and by five o'clock it + will be light. The rest of you can go back to bed, and if any + one else comes sneaking around this boat, he'll have to come + forward and state his business to Jane McCarthy."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XVII'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2> + + <h3>A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE</h3><br> + + + <p>It seemed to the tired girls as though they had hardly + closed their eyes when they heard Jane call out: "Seven + o'clock. All hands on deck."</p> + + <p>"I'm tho thleepy," murmured Tommy as she struggled into her + clothes.</p> + + <p>"I'm pretty near dead," growled Hazel. "I think I'll never + get rested."</p> + + <p>"Do let's hurry and have breakfast," pleaded Margery, "I'm + so hungry."</p> + + <p>"Chronic thtate," murmured Tommy.</p> + + <p>"I don't have nightmares and wake every one up in the middle + of the night," retorted Margery, "even if I do get hungry + sometimes."</p> + + <p>"My nightmare wath utheful, Buthter," returned Tommy calmly. + "It helped uth to dithcover that our boat wath gone. But your + appetite ithn't the leatht bit utheful, not even to + yourthelf."</p> + + <p>"I'll never speak to you again, Tommy Thompson," declared + Buster wrathfully.</p> + + <p>"That maketh me feel very thad, Buthter," replied Tommy + sarcastically.</p> + + <p>Breakfast was prepared and eaten in record time that + morning. Then the dishes were speedily washed and put away. The + Tramp Club's camp showed no activity until after eight o'clock, + when the smoke from their cook fire was observed curling up + through the foliage on the shore of the Island of Delight. A + long-drawn "Hoo-oo-oo" from the camp told the girls that they + had been observed by some of the boys.</p> + + <p>Before nine o'clock the launch put out and sailed rapidly + over to the "Red Rover."</p> + + <p>"We didn't come to call. We just ran over to see what time + you wished to go for a sail?" asked Billy Gordon.</p> + + <p>"Come right on board, boys. We finished our work shortly + after daylight this morning. You see we are early risers," + replied Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>The lads needed no urging. They hopped to the after deck of + the houseboat. But no sooner had they come aboard than they + perceived that something was amiss. George glanced at Harriet + inquiringly.</p> + + <p>"What's the matter with you girls, this morning?" he asked + lamely.</p> + + <p>"We had considerable excitement here last night. We were + visited by pirates," said the guardian.</p> + + <p>The boys flushed guiltily.</p> + + <p>"But that is not all," added Jane McCarthy. "We were visited + later in the night by a real thief."</p> + + <p>"Wha—at!" gasped George, somehow feeling that they + were involved.</p> + + <p>"We will tell you all about it. Come upstairs, where we can + sit down in comfort and talk. Perhaps we may ask you to assist + us in finding the thief," said Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>The boys followed the girls to the upper deck, and after + they had seated themselves Miss Elting related what had + happened. "Now, boys," she concluded, "have you the remotest + idea as to who could have taken the boat?"</p> + + <p>For a moment George stared at the guardian in silence, then + he said gravely, "Perhaps you think, Miss Elting, that one of + us sneaked over here last night. I'll admit that we did play + pirates, and got the worst of it, but none of our fellows left + camp after we got back from that pirate trip. There is + something strange about this, and it looks to me as though you + had a really malicious enemy."</p> + + <p>"That is what I think," replied Harriet. "You know, of + course, of our previous experiences. Some one is seeking to + drive us away. To me it is the work of a man who for some + reason is our enemy. I thought we had given him the slip, but + he has found us again."</p> + + <p>"I will tell you what to do, ladies," spoke up George after + pondering the subject briefly. "You had better run your boat + right up on the shore at one end of our camp, where we can keep + our eyes on you. When you wish to move we will move with you. + In that way you will have no further trouble."</p> + + <p>"You boys wouldn't be of any help to us," interrupted + Jane.</p> + + <p>"Why not?" demanded Larry Goheen, bristling.</p> + + <p>"Because you sleep too well."</p> + + <p>"I don't believe I should dare to spend a night on that + island," said Harriet Burrell, regarding the shores of the + Island of Delight with troubled eyes.</p> + + <p>"Why not?" repeated Larry.</p> + + <p>"There are strange things there," said Harriet, pointing. + "Haven't you seen them?"</p> + + <p>"Good gracious, no," answered Billy. "What do you mean, Miss + Burrell?"</p> + + <p>"Ghosts!" answered Harriet, leaning toward their guests. The + boys fairly jumped at the words, then laughed heartily.</p> + + <p>"There aren't any such things," scoffed George. "Besides, if + there were, do you think we men would be afraid of them? I + guess not. I'd like to see the ghost that I would be afraid of. + You bring out your ghosts! We'll show you how quickly we will + lay them."</p> + + <p>"Oh, I can't bring them out," murmured Harriet. "I thought + perhaps you had seen them."</p> + + <p>"Have you?" demanded Sam, turning on her sharply.</p> + + <p>"Oh, don't ask me," begged Harriet, in such apparent + distress that Sam did not question her further.</p> + + <p>"What's this that Harriet is telling you?" asked Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>"She's been seeing things, and thinks it queer that we have + not, too," answered George. "I wish we might. Then you don't + think you would like to run the boat ashore at the camp, so as + to be where we can look after you?"</p> + + <p>"I should not mind. But the girls think they are able to + take care of themselves, and I must say that I agree with them, + George. Don't you think they are?" asked the guardian.</p> + + <p>"They beat any boys I've ever seen. But then, you see, there + are a lot of us fellows, and then again, your enemies won't be + so bold when they know there are men around the premises," + declared George pompously.</p> + + <p>Harriet turned her head away that they might not see her + laughter.</p> + + <p>"Any way, let us tow you in closer to shore," urged + George.</p> + + <p>Harriet shook her head.</p> + + <p>"Thank you, but we will fight our own battles. If we find we + are getting the worst of it we will scream for you. That is, if + you are able to see us. You gentlemen are short-sighted at + times. The very idea of your hunting all over the lake for us + when we were here fairly before your eyes! Look out that you're + not so careless as to lose us again. Remember it will be the + winning stroke for us."</p> + + <p>Harriet's manner was so superbly disdainful, yet there was + so much pity in her tone, that the boys flushed painfully.</p> + + <p>"You won't lose us again the same way—don't worry + about that," George Baker retorted, with some heat. "But when + are you going for a ride in the launch with us?"</p> + + <p>"Why, I think we are ready now," smiled Miss Elting. "For + one, I would like very much to go to Wantagh, if you will be + kind enough to take me there. Harriet, I have changed my mind + about remaining with the 'Red Rover' and I shall accept your + suggestion to leave you as watchman on the 'Red Rover.'"</p> + + <p>"By all means, Miss Elting," replied Harriet.</p> + + <p>"I don't like to see you remaining alone," protested Hazel, + as she stepped, half-reluctantly, into the launch. "I know + you'll be dreadfully lonesome."</p> + + <p>Harriet, however, was far from lonesome. It was really + pleasant to be all by herself for a little while.</p> + + <p>When the launch reached Wantagh the girls promptly went + shopping, with the exception of Jane, who went to engage a + rowboat, and Miss Elting, to hunt up Dee Dickinson. It was an + uncomfortable half hour for Dee, for Miss Elting reported the + loss of the rowboat and said very plainly to him that she + believed he understood the cause of the persecutions the girls + were undergoing. Still, Dee could not be made to talk freely. + Miss Elting left him, dissatisfied.</p> + + <p>"That man knows the cause of our troubles, and he simply + won't tell me," said the guardian indignantly to herself, as + she walked away. "And just a hint or two might enable us to + save ourselves a good deal of annoyance, and even protect us + from real dangers. I wonder what it all means."</p> + + <p>She said nothing to the girls about having seen Dickinson, + when finally she joined them at the pier. The girls had filled + every available space in the boat with their purchases and the + new dingy was fastened to the stern. The run back in the late + afternoon was a delightful one. When they came in sight of the + "Red Rover" they uttered cries of delight. The "Red Rover" + looked like a huge flame in the sunlight.</p> + + <p>"It doesn't seem possible that such a boat could be lost + sight of anywhere, does it?" questioned Jane brightly, turning + to Captain Baker.</p> + + <p>"No," he answered gloomily. "And it won't be again."</p> + + <p>"You can't tell, you know. It may disappear from the face of + the waters this very night."</p> + + <p>George looked at Billy. Jane had given them a hint that they + were not slow to catch. They did not know that she was teasing + them for the very purpose of making their surprise greater when + it did come.</p> + + <p>The boys left their passengers at the "Red Rover" and then + sailed over to their own camp. The girls were glad to be back. + The houseboat had come to be a real home to them, one that they + would be sorry to leave when their vacation came to an end.</p> + + <p>Jane had purchased a dozen colored lanterns in town. As soon + as darkness fell, these were lighted and strung above the upper + deck. The interior was brightly lighted, so that the "Red + Rover," that evening, stood out more prominently than anything + else on that part of the lake. Later in the evening, after + having disposed of their work, the girls took out the new + rowboat and rowed slowly round and round the "Red Rover" + singing. The boys came out at that and joined them. Together, + the two boats drifted about until the hour grew late and Miss + Elting called to the girls that it was time to come in. They + responded promptly. The boys rowed up alongside and holding to + the gunwale of the "Red Rover," chatted for a few moments.</p> + + <p>"So long! We will see you in the morning," called George as + they pushed the rowboat off.</p> + + <p>"Yes. In the morning—maybe," answered Harriet + laughingly.</p> + + <p>"It's my opinion that those girls are going to try to play + more tricks to-night," declared Billy, after they had gotten a + short distance from the "Red Rover." He was speaking in a tone + louder than he imagined. Harriet heard every word he said.</p> + + <p>"Yes," agreed George. "I'll tell you what we'll do. We'll + put a boy on watch to-night. Then, if they try to run away from + us, we will just follow and give them a surprise. We can't let + those girls get the better of us this time."</p> + + <p>That was the last that Harriet heard. They had rowed so far + away that their words were inaudible. But what she had heard + was quite sufficient.</p> + + <p>"And about those ghosts?" questioned Larry.</p> + + <p>"A bluff," scoffed George. "You don't believe in ghosts, do + you?"</p> + + <p>"Well, I don't know. I have heard of such things," admitted + Larry solemnly.</p> + + <p>"Nonsense. I guess we will elect you to watch the houseboat + to-night. How about it?" demanded George.</p> + + <p>"I don't care."</p> + + <p>"But don't you dare go to sleep."</p> + + <p>"What if I do?"</p> + + <p>"You will get a ducking," interjected Sam. "You will get + your distinguished head held under water until you're wide + awake."</p> + + <p>The plan, however, was put into operation soon after their + arrival at the camp. They watched the "Red Rover" together + until all the lights except the anchor light, had been put out. + They knew, by this sign, that the Meadow-Brook Girls had + retired for the night. The Tramp Club then went to bed, leaving + Larry on guard. All he could see of the "Red Rover" was the + anchor light, the night being very dark and a little hazy. But + he never lost sight of this anchor light for more than a few + moments at a time. Were the girls to get away without his + discovering it he knew what to expect at the hands of his + companions. Then again, Larry Goheen prided himself on his + keenness. It would be very humiliating to be outwitted by the + girls. He, with the rest of the boys fully believed that the + girls were planning some trick for that night.</p> + + <p>Larry watched that anchor light until just before the break + of day, when he called Sam to come out and take the watch until + breakfast time. The daylight had not yet become pronounced + enough to make out objects distinctly, but shortly after Sam + took the watch the day broke bright and clear. The anchor light + seemed to fade away and merge into thin air before his very + eyes. He did not stop to reason that this was because the + morning light had become stronger than that of the lantern.</p> + + <p>Sam blinked and rubbed his eyes. He could hardly believe + what they told him. He uttered a yell that brought his + companions out on the run.</p> + + <p>"What's up?" shouted Billy.</p> + + <p>"Everything. They've tricked us! They've gone!" cried + Sam.</p> + + <p>"They have, I do declare," added George in a hushed tone. + "When did they go?"</p> + + <p>"Just now. I saw them."</p> + + <p>"You were asleep," rebuked Billy.</p> + + <p>"I wasn't! They disappeared! They went up in thin air."</p> + + <p>Just then they were interrupted by a long, piercing wail + that seemed to come from the air above and around them. The + boys gazed into each others faces.</p> + + <p>"It's a banshee's wail," whispered Larry. "Somebody's going + to die."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XVIII'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> + + <h3>A FRUITLESS SEARCH</h3><br> + + + <p>"Don't be an idiot, Larry," rebuked If Billy Gordon. "Don't + you know what that was?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. I told you," whispered the red-headed boy.</p> + + <p>"Pshaw! It was only a cat bird," scoffed George Baker. + "Who's afraid of spooks, anyway? The fact is that those girls + have outwitted us three times. We have lost the wager. Now the + question is, when did they get away?"</p> + + <p>Larry declared that he had never removed his gaze from the + anchor light during his whole watch, except when he went to get + wood for the campfire.</p> + + <p>"There's only one way out of it," decided Billy. "Duck the + two of them. We will be certain to get the right party + then."</p> + + <p>"'Nuff said," nodded George. The boys grabbed the two lads, + and, despite their struggles, managed to throw them into the + lake, but in doing so, George and Billy found themselves in the + water, also.</p> + + <p>This little experience put them in a better frame of mind. + The lads quickly divested themselves of their wet pajamas and + put on their clothes. Breakfast was a hurried meal that + morning. After breakfast they sat down to take counsel among + themselves while Sam scraped the dishes then threw them in the + lake to be washed by the lake itself. They decided that either + Larry or Sam must have fallen asleep, and that at a time when + the girls had moved from their anchorage.</p> + + <p>Both lads protested that nothing of the kind had happened. + Sam stuck to his story that the anchor light had faded away and + that the "Red Rover" had disappeared all in the same + moment.</p> + + <p>"What are we going to do about it?" questioned Larry + Goheen.</p> + + <p>"We are going to take up a collection for that camera, and + then we are going to find them," answered Billy.</p> + + <p>"We are going to try, you mean," answered George with a + mirthless smile. "We have tried before—and failed, and + now we are obliged to confess that we are beaten for good and + all. However let us reason this thing out. The 'Red Rover' + couldn't have disappeared, it could have gone only by being + towed away. If a launch had towed it, the noise would have + awakened us, even though Larry or Sam had been asleep. If the + houseboat was towed by the girls, which it undoubtedly was, it + can't be far away. That makes our work easier."</p> + + <p>"There is only one flaw in your argument, George," + interrupted Billy Gordon. "Granting that they did row away from + here, how do you know that at daylight they did not pick up a + launch and hike half the length of the lake?"</p> + + <p>George shook his head slowly.</p> + + <p>"There wouldn't be any fun for them in that. They would want + to be on hand, to make faces at us behind our backs."</p> + + <p>"You may be right at that." Billy gazed reflectively over + the lake. As he gazed his eyes took on an expression of new + interest. "What's that out there, fellows?" he demanded.</p> + + <p>It was some seconds before they discovered that which had + attracted his attention. Then when they did so, they were + unable to decide what it was. They were certain that the object + had not been there the night before.</p> + + <p>"That's right where the 'Red Rover' lay," cried Larry + Goheen. "Maybe they have sunk."</p> + + <p>The boys with one accord ran for the rowboat. They shoved it + off, leaped in and began rowing at top speed toward the object + that had attracted their attention. Larry began to grin long + before they reached the spot. They finally pulled up alongside + the object and stopped.</p> + + <p>The boys regarded it solemnly, then looked into each other's + eyes. There followed a shout of laughter.</p> + + <p>The object that had been discovered by them was a stick, + which had been thrust down into the soft bottom in shallow + water. A lantern had been tied to the top of the stick. It was + this lantern, at the end of a stick, that Larry Goheen had been + watching all night, believing it to be the anchor light of the + "Red Rover." It was plain that the girls had known that they + were to be watched, and that they had taken the easiest + possible way to outwit their friends, by placing the anchor + light on a stick and leaving it at the anchorage while the "Red + Rover" slipped away unobserved under cover of the darkness.</p> + + <p>"Stung!" groaned Sam.</p> + + <p>"Worse than that," answered George. "There aren't any words + in the language to express what we'd like to say. Wait till I + get the lantern." The lantern was still burning and the chimney + was considerably smoked. George took it aboard and blew out the + light. "You didn't see it go out after all, Sam."</p> + + <p>"I—I thought I did."</p> + + <p>"I wonder when they left?" mused Billy.</p> + + <p>"Larry, what have you to say about that?" demanded George + Baker.</p> + + <p>"Absolutely nothing."</p> + + <p>"They went away during your watch."</p> + + <p>"You can't blame him," answered Sam. "Anybody would have + been fooled under the circumstances."</p> + + <p>"Don't try to make lame excuses," jeered Billy. "Be a man + and own up. They outwitted you, and that's all there is about + it. Now, what are we going to do?"</p> + + <p>"Get out the launch and go on a hunt for them," declared + George. "Any one got a better plan?"</p> + + <p>No one had. They had no plans at all, but were too dazed by + this last trick that had been played on them to be able to + think at all clearly. They reached the shore and George stepped + out. His foot had no more than touched the ground before that + same wailing cry rang in their ears again.</p> + + <p>"I tell you it's a banshee," cried Larry, his shock of red + hair fairly standing on end.</p> + + <p>"We will attend to the ghosts after we have found the 'Red + Rover'," answered George. His face had paled slightly at the + sound, and he admitted to himself that he felt creepy. He was + glad that they were going away from their camp for a time. It + was evident that whatever the noise might be, it was intended + to express disapproval of their presence on the island. George + remembered what Harriet Burrell had said about ghosts on the + previous evening. He had laughed at it at the time. He did not + laugh now. He was thinking and thinking seriously.</p> + + <p>No further cries were heard that morning. The boys put out + their campfire and set the camp to rights, Billy in the + meantime being engaged in cleaning and oiling his motor + preparatory to the morning run around the island and along the + shore of the mainland.</p> + + <p>It was not exactly a joyous party that set out in the launch + half an hour later. They were chagrined at losing the contest + and disgusted that they should have fallen such easy victims to + the ingenious schemes of the girls.</p> + + <p>"Do you know, I have been thinking," spoke up Larry after + they had started.</p> + + <p>"That's something new," jeered Sam.</p> + + <p>"I have been wondering if all the strange things that have + occurred to the girls haven't been part of a plan to keep us + stirred up."</p> + + <p>"Larry, I'm ashamed of you," exclaimed George indignantly. + "Those girls may be full of mischief, but they don't tell lies. + They told us the truth, about their mysterious enemy, and I + don't want to hear any boy intimate that they haven't. He and I + will have a falling out right on the spot, if he does."</p> + + <p>"I apologize. I—I guess I didn't mean it that way," + stammered Larry.</p> + + <p>"They are too clever for us, that's all there is to it," + added George. "Run into that cove, please, Billy. There is + something that looks like a red boat in there."</p> + + <p>The something proved to be a small boathouse painted red. It + did resemble the "Red Rover" somewhat. They headed out of the + cove, saying little, but keeping up a lively thinking. The + launch was run up the shore of the mainland for several + miles.</p> + + <p>"Shall I turn back?" asked Billy.</p> + + <p>"You might as well," nodded George. "I would suggest that we + circle the island once more. Shut down as low as you can. We + must keep a sharp lookout. There may be some way of getting a + boat out of sight. I am positive that they are about here + somewhere."</p> + + <p>The encircling of the island was attended with no better + results. Not a trace of either Meadow-Brook Girls or "Red + Rover" was discovered. Disgusted and disappointed the boys + headed the launch toward home.</p> + + <p>"I'll tell you what we will do," declared George as they + were landing. "We will spread out and search the island. I + can't get the idea out of my mind that they are not far + away."</p> + + <p>"But what would they do with their boat? It isn't anywhere + in the lake about here, and surely they couldn't drag it + ashore," objected Billy.</p> + + <p>"I don't know. I am beginning to think those girls can do + almost anything they set out to do. They are a clever lot. I + never knew them to start anything yet that they didn't go + through with, usually ending up by giving us the worst of + it."</p> + + <p>Sam hopped ashore first and ran up to the tent. He peered + in, then uttered a yell.</p> + + <p>"Somebody's been here," he cried. "Wow!"</p> + + <p>The boys hurried up to the tent. The interior was in + confusion. The contents of the tent had been piled in a great + heap in the middle of the floor. A suit of khaki had been + draped over sticks and leaned against the side of the tent, + looking like a live man at first glance. Outside an oven had + been constructed of rocks, and a fire put under it. On a flat + stone the coffee pot stood ready. The table had been set, the + potatoes pared and sliced ready for frying, in fact everything + was ready for the noon meal with the exception of the + cooking.</p> + + <p>The boys looked at each other then burst out laughing.</p> + + <p>"We've had company," grinned George.</p> + + <p>"I wish they would come every day," added Larry. "They have + sense whoever they are, even if they turn our tent topsy-turvy. + But wait. We've got those girls now. We know they are somewhere + about, and we'll find them if it takes all day and all night to + do it."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XIX'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2> + + <h3>THE TRAMP CLUB FINDS A CLUE</h3><br> + + + <p>"Hello! What's this?"</p> + + <p>Larry, stooping over, picked up a piece of filmy linen.</p> + + <p>"A handkerchief, isn't it?" asked Sam.</p> + + <p>"Let me see that, please," demanded George Baker. Larry + handed it to him. "It's a girl's handkerchief, boys. And here + are two initials in one corner. Hello! 'H.B.' What does that + stand for?"</p> + + <p>"It stands for 'Have Been'," declared Larry. "Meaning that + they have been here. But they needn't have told us. We know + that."</p> + + <p>"Yes; they've been here," replied George promptly. "Those + initials stand for 'Harriet Burrell.' They mean that the + Meadow-Brook Girls have been here and turned our tent upside + down. But they made amends by getting our noon meal started. I + suppose we had better forgive them. What do you say, + fellows?"</p> + + <p>"Of course," nodded Billy. The others agreed.</p> + + <p>"Miss Burrell, having no card, left her handkerchief. But + fellows, while we are fussing around here, they may be getting + away again. This may be another of their tricks," declared + George. "I would suggest, Billy, that you eat your luncheon at + once, then run out the launch and keep sailing around to head + them off in case they are running away."</p> + + <p>To this proposition, Billy demurred. He did not fancy going + away by himself.</p> + + <p>"I'll tell you what I'll do," he proposed. "I'll eat + luncheon with you first. They can't get far away before I get + out, and even if they did I should overhaul them. You know that + old scow can be seen for miles."</p> + + <p>"I notice we weren't able to see it a few rods from us," + observed George dryly. "All right. Start the potatoes to + frying. Did they hide the ham?"</p> + + <p>"They didn't find it. It's in the spring back there," + answered Sam. "I looked."</p> + + <p>The luncheon was prepared in a hurry and the boys ate + ravenously. The excitement of the morning had not interfered + with their appetites.</p> + + <p>"Now, Billy, if you see anything, blow your motor horn and + keep it going until we hear it. Some of us will hear you. I + propose that we spread out so as to cover the island, but still + keeping within yelling distance of each other. We know now that + the girls are on this island."</p> + + <p>"Well find them." Billy walked slowly down to his launch, + got in, and reversing the engine, backed out, waving an + indolent hand at his companions.</p> + + <p>Suddenly a weird scream rang out on the still air.</p> + + <p>"Run for it, boys. That way," cried George, pointing + excitedly.</p> + + <p>"No! It's the other way," shouted Sam.</p> + + <p>"You're both wrong. It's toward the other side of the + island," declared Larry.</p> + + <p>"Now look here, fellows. We are all of us wrong. If we are + going to accomplish anything we must stop fooling and go at + this business scientifically. I will take this side of the + island. Sam, you and two of the fellows take the middle, and + Larry the other side, keeping within sight of the shore. We + will search every inch of it, though I don't believe we can + finish the job before night."</p> + + <p>"We had better take our lanterns with us, or we shall break + our precious necks," suggested Sam.</p> + + <p>"Yes. We will do that. Larry, when you catch sight of Billy + on the other side, beckon him in and tell him we may not be + back until late this evening, and for him to keep circling the + island until he finds us back in camp again. Better take some + grub along. We can stand it to eat a cold supper for once. We + will have a warm one when we get back."</p> + + <p>After having made their preparations the boys started out, + all the others waiting until Larry got a good start, Sam's + party starting next, George Baker leaving the camp last. In + that way they planned to keep pretty nearly abreast.</p> + <hr style='width: 45%;'> + + <p>About this time Crazy Jane McCarthy, face flushed, hair + down, her skirt torn in several places, might have been seen + fleeing along the shore of the island, running away from the + Tramp Club's camp and toward their own secret nook, where the + "Red Rover" was lying calmly at anchor in the half cave that + had furnished a hiding place for the girls before.</p> + + <p>She came tearing through the bushes nearly falling into the + lower end of the stream.</p> + + <p>"They're coming!" she shouted. "Get to cover!"</p> + + <p>"Sh-h-h!" warned Hazel, who sat awaiting Jane, in the + rowboat. "I hear a motor boat outside. I think it is the boys' + boat."</p> + + <p>"I tell you they are on their way to search the island," + answered Jane.</p> + + <p>"All of them?"</p> + + <p>"All but Billy Gordon. He has gone off in the launch to keep + an eye on the shore."</p> + + <p>"Then that is his boat out there. Get in here. I am worried + that Harriet is still out."</p> + + <p>Just then a soft "hoo-e-e-e" from the bushes on the opposite + side of the stream, told them that Harriet Burrell had + returned. She had been out on a scouting expedition. Hazel + rowed over to the other side of the creek. Harriet jumped + aboard. Jane, in excited whispers, told her that the boys were + coming and that Billy was out in the launch.</p> + + <p>"I know. I saw him just a few moments ago. What are their + plans?"</p> + + <p>Crazy Jane explained what she had been able to hear when she + was observing the Tramp Club's camp. She had seen Larry pick up + Harriet's handkerchief, though she was not aware that it was + Harriet's.</p> + + <p>"That is where I lost it, is it?" laughed Harriet. "It is + all right. That will encourage them. If they go on beyond here + they will find other evidences that will lead them still + further on. You see I wanted to get them as far away from home + as possible so as to keep them out after dark."</p> + + <p>Hazel manipulated the rowboat until they were in the deep + shadows of the rocks, after which they climbed aboard the "Red + Rover." Harriet explained her plans to her companions and + directed them to keep as quiet as possible in case any of the + searchers should come that way. The girls had pulled the + houseboat into the secret retreat on the previous night. They + had kept a watchful eye on the boys all the morning, to see + what they were planning to do, and Jane had given the lads the + creeps by uttering wild, weird cries in the depths of the + forest.</p> + + <p>Harriet and Jane cooked themselves something to eat. They + had been out for a long time and were hungry. Their companions + and guardian were sitting about chatting with them. Miss Elting + was of the opinion that they were much better off in their + hiding place than at an anchorage out in the lake, always + provided that their enemy did not find them out. Harriet agreed + with her, but thought they would be in a serious situation if + their unknown enemy were to find them. He had shown evidences + of keenness that made the finding of the "Red Rover" appear to + be a simple task for him. That he would annoy them further, the + girls were positive; that he already had located them was more + than possible.</p> + + <p>Splash!</p> + + <p>Their conversation was suddenly checked. A stone had dropped + but a few feet from the rear end of the "Red Rover," falling + into the creek. Harriet laid a finger on her lips. Tommy had + started to speak, but checked herself in time. Harriet and Jane + crept to the door of the houseboat and peered out. As they did + so a second splash startled them. This time they saw the stone. + It was a good-sized rock. It fell some feet below the rear end + of the "Red Rover." Some one was sounding the thick growth + there. Who it was, they discovered a moment later.</p> + + <p>"There's water down there, but it's shallow. I can tell by + the splash," announced a voice above them.</p> + + <p>"It's George," whispered Jane.</p> + + <p>"I'll take a look along the shore on my way back. There may + be an inlet that we haven't seen," continued George Baker, + talking to himself.</p> + + <p>Jane gripped an arm of her companion.</p> + + <p>"If he does, we shall be discovered," she whispered.</p> + + <p>"Never mind. We will have scared them off long before then. + He will strike the trail I left for them, before long, if he + keeps straight on. That will mean that he will go right on and + that he will call to the others to join him when it begins to + get dark. You know the island begins to narrow a short distance + beyond here. Won't it be funny to see them following that + trail? And what a surprise they will get before they have + finished with this day's work." Harriet chuckled. She had been + whispering. She paused suddenly as a pebble rattled down within + a foot of the stern of the "Red Rover."</p> + + <p>"They're getting rather close," whispered Jane.</p> + + <p>"Captain Baker kicked that pebble down. He is going away. Do + you hear him?" George was whistling to himself as he tramped + away toward the other end of the island. They heard him call to + his companions shortly after that and shout some directions to + them. Then nothing more was heard from the boys for the rest of + the afternoon.</p> + + <p>The girls discussed the situation with Miss Elting. The + guardian decided that all the girls save one should remain on + board the scow. One, she agreed, might go out to reconnoitre. + If the boys returned before dark it would be well to know about + it. Their further plans depended upon the immediate actions of + the Tramp Club. Harriet was the one who was chosen to keep + watch of their rivals.</p> + + <p>She began at once to make her preparations, tying her hair + in a tight knot on top of her head and drawing a waterproof + bathing cap over all.</p> + + <p>"I am going to protect my hair," she smiled in answer to the + unspoken question in the eyes of her companion. "Those bushes + pull out a few strands every time I go scouting among them. + I'll imitate the sound that a crow makes if I see them coming + back," she added. "No one must go out in the meantime. All we + can do is to keep quiet and wait. We've already won the camera. + We will have our fun when night comes, however, and if we don't + give those boys the fright of their lives I shall be keenly + disappointed."</p> + + <p>"Which way shall you come back?" asked Jane.</p> + + <p>"The way we came in. Don't have the boat wait for me down + there. If I have to come back in a hurry I will wade. + Meadow-Brook Girls aren't afraid of the water, you know."</p> + + <p>"We know," answered Miss Elting, smiling, "but be careful + that you don't fall and hurt yourself. Good-bye. I will have + the sheets and other things ready by the time you return. We + have the poles here. I do hope we get an opportunity to use the + stuff now that we have been at so much pains to get it ready. + You see, I am just as anxious to play this trick as the rest of + you girls."</p> + + <p>Harriet laughed merrily at the prospect of the coming fun, + then stepped out into the rowboat that Hazel had pulled close + to the stern of the houseboat. A few moments later Hazel left + her companion on the west bank at the lower end of the little + stream. Harriet slipped away through the bushes almost + noiselessly. If everything worked smoothly the Tramp Club were + to receive an overwhelming surprise.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XX'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XX</h2> + + <h3>JANE PLAYS EAVESDROPPER</h3><br> + + + <p>Two hours later the Meadow-Brook Girls were startled to hear + a voice directly over their heads call:</p> + + <p>"Girls, girls."</p> + + <p>"Who is it?" asked Miss Elting cautiously.</p> + + <p>"It's I. I'm up here, right where we heard George Baker + talking this morning."</p> + + <p>"You nearly thcared me to death!" gasped Tommy.</p> + + <p>"Speak more quietly, please," warned Harriet. "Jane, I wish + you would come up here. No; I'm not going to take you far. I + want you within reach of the boat."</p> + + <p>"Do you see anything of the boys, Harriet?" asked Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>"No, but I hear them occasionally. They are quite a distance + ahead, traveling fast, and ought to be back long before + dark."</p> + + <p>Jane lost no time in hurrying to the lower end of the creek + in order to join her friend. Harriet lay on the rocks, at a + point where she could not see the water, and there Jane joined + her.</p> + + <p>"What I want you to do," Harriet explained in whispers, at + the same time on the alert for sound or sign of the boys, "is + to stay here, or not far from here, so that you can warn the + girls in case I signal by making a cawing noise like a crow. I + don't want the girls to make too much noise, for it would spoil + our fun if the boys should discover our hiding place."</p> + + <p>"But how am I going to get back if I have to do so in a + hurry?"</p> + + <p>"Can you go down a rope?"</p> + + <p>"Show me the rope that I can't go down," boasted Jane.</p> + + <p>"How about this one?" smiled Harriet, producing a coil of + quarter inch manila rope.</p> + + <p>"Well, it's small, but I'll try it. Where do you wish me to + climb?"</p> + + <p>"I'll show you. Take hold of my feet and don't you dare let + go. I surely shall break my neck if you do." Harriet crawled + over the edge, Jane grasping her by the ankles to prevent her + from falling. Then Harriet tied one end of the rope to a root + of a tree that stood on the brink. "Look out below!" she + warned, at the same time dropping the coil through the foliage + and shaking the rope until the coil finally dropped into the + stream. "Please draw the rope up to the boat," she called. + "That's it. Now pull me back, Jane."</p> + + <p>Jane McCarthy did so with some assistance from Harriet, who + clawed at the roots of the tree and pushed with her hands until + she finally got to the top once more. Reaching there she got up + and surveyed the work with approval.</p> + + <p>"Can you see the rope, Jane?"</p> + + <p>Miss McCarthy shook her head.</p> + + <p>"If you have to go down it be careful that you don't fall + before you get to the rope. Now do you understand?"</p> + + <p>"Do I? This is going to be great fun. Won't the boys be + surprised when we play our great trick on them?"</p> + + <p>"Provided they do not surprise us first," answered + Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Where are you going?"</p> + + <p>"To follow George Baker's trail for a time. I can't tell + beyond that what I shall do. It will depend upon circumstances. + Remember the signal. I'm off now."</p> + + <p>Jane watched Harriet slip away. There was undisguised + admiration in the eyes of Jane McCarthy. Not a sound could she + hear from her companion, so silently did the latter move away. + After Harriet had gone, Jane called down to her friends that + she was going to move from the spot and that they should keep + quiet.</p> + + <p>The hours passed slowly for Jane. She was too active to care + to sit down calmly and wait when there were things to be done, + so Jane decided that she too would explore a little on her own + account. She started slowly, edging down nearer to the shore, + thus taking a different course from that followed by her + companion, toward the upper end of the island.</p> + + <p>Jane had been gone about an hour when she heard voices + directly ahead of her. She glanced about in quest of a safe + hiding place. Not knowing exactly the direction that was being + followed by those whose voices she had heard, she decided to + run toward home. A shout from behind her at that juncture told + her that at least one of the party had gotten between her and + the hiding place of the "Red Rover."</p> + + <p>Without an instant's hesitation Crazy Jane ran to a low, + bushy tree and climbed up in its foliage with almost the + quickness of a cat. Her clothes suffered, but she did not care. + Her sole desire now was to get out of sight as quickly as + possible. She would never forgive herself if she were to be the + means of their being discovered. As yet she had heard no + warning cry from Harriet Burrell.</p> + + <p>Jane had hardly secreted herself in the foliage of the tree + when another hail sounded between her tree and home.</p> + + <p>"Is that you, boys?" It was the voice of George Baker.</p> + + <p>"Yes," answered Sam. "What's up?"</p> + + <p>George made his way toward them. Jane could hear him forcing + his way through the bushes.</p> + + <p>The two parties met in an open space a short distance from + the tree that held Jane. She was straining every muscle to get + a glimpse of them.</p> + + <p>"Some one has been along here since I passed," declared + George. "I found a footprint in the moss over there, and it was + a woman's."</p> + + <p>"So did we find the same thing," answered Larry. "There's + something queer about this whole island. I feel spooky all the + time. Did you hear any one?"</p> + + <p>"No."</p> + + <p>"Well, I did. Some one threw a stone at me. It dropped right + at my feet."</p> + + <p>Jane giggled softly. Harriet had been playing tricks on + them. She wondered where Harriet was. Jane would have given the + signal, but dared not do so. In the first place she was not + sure that she could imitate a crow so as to deceive a person, + and in the second place the boys were too close to her to run + any chances.</p> + + <p>"They are here, all right, boys," cried George. "I was + certain of it all the time."</p> + + <p>"It may be spooks," answered Larry Goheen.</p> + + <p>"Well, just let them come out. I guess we can take care of + any spooks that we shall find on this island. But we must get + busy again. It will soon be dark. Spread out, fellows. I'll + tell you what we'll do. Taking that tree there for a + centre"—waving toward the tree occupied by Crazy Jane + McCarthy—"we will circle about, making the circle larger + each time we start out."</p> + + <p>"Wait. I'll climb the tree and take a look around," + interjected Sam. He started for the tree. His hands had grasped + it ere Jane realized that hers was the tree meant. For once in + her life Crazy Jane McCarthy was at a loss to proceed. She did + not know what to do. But George unknowingly came to her + rescue.</p> + + <p>"Never mind the tree. It's too low. You can't get high + enough to look over the tops of the bushes. You come along as I + suggested."</p> + + <p>"How ever am I going to get out of this?" muttered Jane. + "Won't Harriet be cross when she finds I've quit my post and + gone out on my own responsibility?" Her further reflections + were interrupted by a loud "caw, caw, caw!"</p> + + <p>"What's that?" cried Larry in alarm.</p> + + <p>"It's a crow, you tenderfoot," jeered George. "Didn't you + ever hear one before?"</p> + + <p>"Harriet!" exclaimed Jane under her breath. "She has + discovered where the boys are. She's giving me warning and I + dare not answer her. What shall I do?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, I have heard crows, but I never heard a crow with a + voice like that," answered Larry. "I'll bet it's no more crow + than I am."</p> + + <p>Once more the crow cawed. This time the bird's voice sounded + much farther away. Jane reasoned it out when she said to + herself that Harriet had probably turned her head away or else + had cawed in a lower tone to deceive the boys, who were now + moving rapidly away, making as many circles as there were boys + in the party.</p> + + <p>Jane dared not get down from the tree, but she began moving + about, seeking a better position from which she might look the + ground over. If the boys got far enough away she might try to + run, but then there was the probability of meeting their + rivals, no matter which way she sought to escape.</p> + + <center> + <a href='images/img088-lg.png'><img src= + 'images/img088-sm.jpg' + width='275' + height='428' + alt='Jane Dared Not Get Down From the Tree.' + title='Jane Dared Not Get Down From the Tree.' + border="0"></a><br> + <small><b>Jane Dared Not Get Down From the + Tree.</b></small> + </center> + + <p>The crow cawed again.</p> + + <p>"I tell you that isn't a crow," shouted Larry.</p> + + <p>"Go on, go on!" called George.</p> + + <p>Jane listening intently, concentrating her attention on what + was being said, rather than what she was doing, lost her + footing. She grasped frantically for a limb and caught one. But + the limb did not hold. It snapped and came away in her + hand.</p> + + <p>Crash! She landed on a bunch of small limbs and branches. + She went right on through them, tearing off leaves with frantic + hands in her efforts to get hold of something that would stop + her progress. The foliage checked her fall a little, but not + sufficiently to prevent her falling the rest of the way.</p> + + <p>A yell from Larry Goheen, an answering shout from George, + and another from Sam, told that the boys had heard the fall. + They began running toward the tree, with shouts of triumph.</p> + + <p>"We've got somebody," yelled George. "Look sharp, + fellows."</p> + + <p>"I'm on the job," howled Sam.</p> + + <p>"Get clubs. It may be a spook," howled Larry.</p> + + <p>The Tramp Club surrounded the tree, keeping their formation + as well as possible, not forgetting that their prey might slip + away from them did they not guard all sides. As yet they did + not now who or what that prey was. A moment later they halted + with exclamations of surprise.</p> + + <p>Directly beneath the tree in which Jane McCarthy had been + hiding stood a man. He was dark and swarthy, with high cheek + bones and jet black hair. He was an Indian half-breed. The + fellow stood scowling, regarding the boys with angry eyes. + Broken limbs and scattered leaves showed where Jane McCarthy + had fallen from the tree, and broken bushes also showed where + she had floundered after reaching the ground.</p> + + <p>The Tramp Club gazed at the scowling face of the half-breed + in speechless amazement.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XXI'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XXI</h2> + + <h3>A DOUBLE SURPRISE</h3><br> + + + <p>"Who you?" growled the strange man.</p> + + <p>"We—we—" began Larry.</p> + + <p>"I beg your pardon, sir. You aren't the person we were + seeking," apologized George Baker.</p> + + <p>"Who you look for?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, a friend of ours. I am sorry if I disturbed you. Were + you up in that tree?" demanded George, a sudden thought + occurring to him. He wondered if this questionable-looking + half-breed had been up there while they were holding their + conference a short time before that.</p> + + <p>The fellow made no reply. He stood regarding them with + inquiring, suspicious eyes until the boys grew restless under + his scrutiny.</p> + + <p>"Well, you needn't look at us that way," declared George, + flushing under the steady, disconcerting gaze of the stranger. + "We don't know you and you don't know us, and I guess you don't + own the island. Come on, fellows."</p> + + <p>The boys started away, trudging thoughtfully towards home. + As for Jane McCarthy, the instant she reached the ground, she + had scrambled to her feet and darted into the bushes, where she + threw herself on the ground, breathing heavily, waiting for + what might come. What did come amazed her. She saw the man dash + up and glance hurriedly about him. It was evident that her fall + had attracted his attention, and that he had run to the tree, + hoping to catch some one. Gazing at him through the bushes, the + girl decided that he must be an Indian. She gazed at him long + and earnestly, forgetting for the moment her own precarious + position.</p> + + <p>Then the boys came. The half-breed stood scowling after them + as they hurried away. At this juncture the "caw" of a crow was + heard again. He started slightly, bent his head and listened, + but there was no repetition of the signal, for which Crazy Jane + McCarthy was devoutly thankful. It was plain that he knew it + was not a crow, that he understood it to be a signal of some + sort.</p> + + <p>The half-breed suddenly turned, starting toward the shore of + the lake at a brisk pace, worming his way through the bushes + with almost no disturbance at all, even at the swift pace he + was keeping up.</p> + + <p>Jane had lost her fear now. The boys had gone on out of + sight and sound and the intruder was hurrying toward the lake. + The girl, however, did not dare to run. She feared to meet the + Indian, so she crept along cautiously. It was but a short + distance to the shore of the lake. She reached there after + having followed the Indian's trail. Jane was just in time to + see the fellow launching a canoe. It was a dark green boat, + showing long and hard usage.</p> + + <p>The fellow leaped in and sent the boat well out into the + lake with a single stroke of the paddle, after which he glided + up the lake, keeping close in shore under the partial + protection of the foliage. Fortunately Jane had thrown herself + down again immediately on seeing him, else he might have caught + sight of her. That he was a man experienced in the woods, as + well as on the water, was plain to be seen. She watched him out + of sight, then hurried back to the spot where she had met with + disaster and gave the crow signal. It was not much of a + success. She repeated it and did better. Jane called several + times. Then she jumped clear off the ground at the sound of a + voice behind her.</p> + + <p>"Jane McCarthy! What are you doing here?"</p> + + <p>"Harriet!"</p> + + <p>"Yes, it's I. But what on earth have you been doing?"</p> + + <p>"Di—did you see the man?" gasped Jane.</p> + + <p>"Wait a moment. I don't understand you. What is it about a + man?"</p> + + <p>"I—I was in the tree there when the boys came back. I + heard them coming and climbed the tree to hide."</p> + + <p>"I was doing the same thing."</p> + + <p>"I—I fell out of the tree—"</p> + + <p>"Gracious! They didn't discover you, did they? I heard them + shouting and running, and wondered what they had + discovered."</p> + + <p>"No. I dived into those bushes and lay down. Just then a man + appeared. He looked to me like an Indian. He is a dangerous + man, Harriet. When the boys came up and found him standing here + you ought to have seen the expressions on their faces. Oh, it + was funny."</p> + + <p>"Which way did he go?" questioned Harriet eagerly. She was + not laughing now. Another idea had occurred to her.</p> + + <p>"Down to the lake. I followed him and saw him get into his + canoe and paddle away."</p> + + <p>"A canoe, did you say?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. It was an old thing, but, my goodness, how it could + go! And the man paddled without making a sound. I never saw any + one handle a canoe like that."</p> + + <p>Harriet gazed at her companion, the lines of her face + contracting.</p> + + <p>"Jane," she said, "I saw that man myself. It was the night I + rowed out to see who was making camp near us. He shot out ahead + of me in his canoe and disappeared. I must have disturbed + him."</p> + + <p>"But who—what?" gasped Jane.</p> + + <p>"I believe he is the man who has been following us and + trying to drive us away. I can't think of any other reason for + his acting as he has. He undoubtedly knows that we are + somewhere about, and has been looking for us just as the boys + themselves have been doing."</p> + + <p>"Good gracious," muttered Crazy Jane. "I'm sorry I didn't + stay on the boat."</p> + + <p>"And I am glad you did not. You surely have discovered + something. Would you know the man if you were to see him + again?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"Then we will see if we can't discover him again. I believe + we are getting near to a solution of the enemy that has been + following us. Either we must settle him or he will do us some + injury. I am glad the boys saw him, too. I am going to suggest + to Miss Elting that we go back to our old anchorage to-morrow. + To-day we have other plans on hand. And that reminds me. It is + getting dark and it is time we were getting back to the boat. + We will go down the rope when we reach there. Come."</p> + + <p>The two girls hurried along, keeping a sharp lookout, not + knowing but that the boys might be lying in wait for them. They + reached the rocks above the houseboat. All was quiet below. + Jane went down the rope first, landing in the creek. Harriet + did the same, and none of their companions discovered either of + them until Jane had climbed aboard the boat and appeared + dripping before them.</p> + + <p>"Here we are, girls," laughed Jane.</p> + + <p>"Did you discover anything?" asked Miss Elting eagerly.</p> + + <p>"We did."</p> + + <p>"Tell us what happened," urged the guardian.</p> + + <p>"The boys found the false trail we made, as well as the one + we did not wish them to find. They nearly discovered Jane, too. + She sat in a tree while they made their plans nearby. Then Jane + fell out of the tree."</p> + + <p>The girls shouted.</p> + + <p>"And what do you think?" continued Harriet. "The boys were + only a short distance away. They hurried to the scene, and when + they got there they found—"</p> + + <p>"Jane," finished Tommy.</p> + + <p>"No. A man. A half-breed from what Jane says. He went away + in a canoe. He did not see her."</p> + + <p>Miss Elting regarded Harriet reflectively.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I think it was the same one," said Harriet in answer + to the guardian's unspoken question. "It is evident that our + presence here is suspected by others than the Tramps. I would + suggest that we carry out our plans to-night, then move away + from here to-morrow."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XXII'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XXII</h2> + + <h3>SPOOKS OF THE LONESOME ISLE</h3><br> + + + <p>"Yes, I know the way. I could go there blindfolded," + answered Harriet, in reply to a question from Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>The hour was nine o'clock in the evening. The night was very + dark, though the stars were shining. It had been decided that + Margery and Tommy should remain on board the "Red Rover," + putting out all lights and locking the doors, though no anxiety + was felt about them, as there was scarcely a chance that their + presence would be discovered, provided the girls remained + quiet.</p> + + <p>The paraphernalia for the evening's enterprise was carefully + loaded into the rowboat; then, with final admonitions to Tommy + and Margery to keep silent and not be afraid, the party set out + in the rowboat for the entrance of the creek. They paused there + long enough to make certain that no one was about, after which + they rowed along the shore a short distance and made a landing + at a point where the ground was fairly level.</p> + + <p>"Now be very quiet," whispered Harriet. "Remember the signal + to return to the boat is one long caw. Two caws in quick + succession mean 'hurry.'"</p> + + <p>"We shan't be far apart, shall we?" questioned Hazel, + somewhat apprehensively.</p> + + <p>"No. Within speaking distance," replied Miss Elting. "Leave + it to Harriet and Jane to make the first advance. We will + follow when the time is right. It is fortunate that we left + Tommy and Margery at home. Are you ready, Harriet?"</p> + + <p>It was a silent party of four shadowy figures that made its + way cautiously along the shore of the island for some little + distance. The party then turned sharply to the right and + disappeared among the bushes that marked a slight rise of + ground. Reaching this rise they turned to the left and once + more proceeded straight ahead.</p> + + <p>The lights of a campfire were soon distinguishable between + the trees. The party was nearing the camp of the Tramp Club. + The time to prepare for their final triumph was at hand.</p> + + <p>"Now, Harriet," urged Miss Elting in a half whisper.</p> + + <p>"Yes. I will go around to the other side of the camp. That + will be the most difficult position to get away from, so I am + choosing it for myself. Jane, you will remain here, while Miss + Elting and Hazel will take a position halfway between us. You + see that will enable us practically to surround the camp. After + you hear me, wait a moment, then give them a thriller."</p> + + <p>Harriet, accompanied by the guardian and Hazel, stepped + promptly away. After going on for some distance, the girl + directed Miss Elting and Hazel to stop and remain where they + were, except that they were to separate, yet keep within easy + call of each other. This detail arranged, Harriet went on.</p> + + <p>According to previous arrangement, Jane, Miss Elting and + Hazel gradually crept nearer to the camp, continuing until they + could make out the figures of the boys quite plainly. The + latter were sitting about the campfire. Their attitude was one + of dejection. They had been outwitted and they knew it.</p> + + <p>"If we don't find those girls to-night, then to-morrow + morning we'll get out of here," announced George. "They know + that they have won and we'll let them come and tell us so + rather than hunt all summer for them."</p> + + <p>"What about that half-breed?" asked Sam. "I think we'd + better find out who he is. I didn't like the looks of that + fellow a little bit."</p> + + <p>"Neither did I," agreed George. "Queer we never saw him + around here before."</p> + + <p>"You must remember this is a large lake," Billy informed + them. "He probably is a fisherman who hangs out on the island, + and who resented our encroaching upon his preserves. I think I + saw the same fellow once in a canoe, but he was so far away + that I don't think I would know him were we to meet face to + face."</p> + + <p>"There are too many mysterious things on this island," + averred Larry Goheen, with emphasis. "I, for one, shall be glad + to get away from it. I know there are spooks here."</p> + + <p>"Spooks!" jeered George. "Who's afraid of spooks? + Who—" George's voice trailed off almost into a whisper. + "I heard something," he exclaimed.</p> + + <p>"So did I," added Larry, nodding.</p> + + <p>A laugh, a distinctly human laugh, shrill and mocking, was + wafted to them. The boys gazed questioningly at each other. + Larry glanced about apprehensively. Then out of the night came + the most weird, most demoniacal laugh any member of the Tramp + Club ever had heard.</p> + + <p>The boys sprang to their feet.</p> + + <p>Other laughs, accompanied by shrieks, followed each other in + quick succession. The laughs seemed to come from all quarters. + It was difficult to say from just what particular point any one + of them did come.</p> + + <p>"Spooks!" yelled Larry Goheen, bolting toward the lake. + Billy caught and jerked him back.</p> + + <p>"No, you don't," growled Billy. "We stand together."</p> + + <p>"I don't want to stay here," chattered Larry. "I never try + to fool people with fake courage when I know that running is my + one best course to pursue."</p> + + <p>"Is there a lunatic asylum in this part of the country?" + asked Baker. "Can it be possible that any of the inmates have + escaped."</p> + + <p>Billy Gordon shook his head. "Nothing as easy as that," he + sighed.</p> + + <p>"Great Scott! There it goes again!" breathed Larry. "It's + down that way, too," pointing in the direction taken by Harriet + Burrell.</p> + + <p>It was a long, weird wail, well calculated to freeze the + marrow in one's bones.</p> + + <p>"Come on, fellows!" cried George, with a fine showing of + resolution. "We'll lay that ghost!"</p> + + <p>George was the only one of the boys who thought to snatch up + a club as he ran. But now the unearthly sounds came from the + rear, instead of ahead of them. The boys wheeled abruptly, only + to hear right in front of them a dismaying chorus of ghostly + noises.</p> + + <p>"Let's go!" urged Larry. "It's surely a lot of + banshees!"</p> + + <p>"Great Scott! Look!" quivered Sam, pointing with trembling + finger.</p> + + <p>In the faint light the boys made out a white figure that + might have been anywhere from seven to ten feet in height. The + boys were too scared to judge of length. The awful thing raised + its draped arms, a frightful scream sounding on the air.</p> + + <p>At that Billy lost his grip on Larry's arm. Goheen made no + apologies, but made a straight, swift dash for camp.</p> + + <p>The other boys hesitated for a few brief seconds; then they, + too, headed for camp. They were not exactly running. They were + leaping like as many frightened rabbits, fleeing from a rabbit + hound. In their haste they lost their way and were proceeding + directly toward the spot where Jane McCarthy was standing.</p> + + <p>Jane finally heard them coming. She was filled with glee. + She had feared that she was not to have an opportunity to play + an important part in this ghost party. Making a noise like a + ghost did not wholly satisfy Crazy Jane McCarthy. What she + wanted was something more exciting. Her opportunity came very + quickly. The boys were nearly up to her, ere she realized that + they were so close.</p> + + <p>A wild wail halted them.</p> + + <p>"Come on, you fellows!" yelled George to his faltering + companions.</p> + + <p>"There it is!" howled Sam.</p> + + <p>He had espied another figure that looked exactly like the + first ghost. George discovered it at about the same time. + George made a brave rush toward the figure, yelling to frighten + it. But Crazy Jane was not easily frightened. She advanced + slowly, waving the long, draped arms, and moaning. All at once + something came down on the head of George Baker, just as he had + raised his club to hurl it at the ghost. The something was a + long tough stick in the hand of Jane McCarthy.</p> + + <p>George uttered a howl and sprang back. The ghost advanced on + him. Billy got a light tap, then Sam yelled as something damp + brushed his cheek. He did not know that it was the leaf of a + bush. He thought it the cold, clammy hand of the ghost.</p> + + <p>The boys having gotten more than they had looked for, began + to retreat. Sam was the first after Larry to run. He did so + with all speed, followed closely by George and Billy. They were + confused. They did not know just where the camp was located. + Glancing over their shoulders they saw that the ghost was + pursuing them. The boys began to shout anew, and to run even at + greater speed.</p> + + <p>"There's some more of them," howled Sam.</p> + + <p>"Yeow!" yelled George. He sprang to the left, in which + direction he believed the camp lay, then he halted. Another + ghost was confronting him. George hesitated. The ghost uttered + a moan. The brave George Baker, captain of the Tramp Club, took + to his heels. The others did the same, except that each took a + different direction. Wherever they ran they were followed by + moans and screams, principally from the lips of Crazy Jane + McCarthy.</p> + + <p>It seemed to their excited imaginations that the woods were + full of ghosts of giant stature, with voices capable of making + one's hair stand on end. The worst of it was that the ghosts + persisted in pursuing them. They chased the brave Tramp Club + right into camp, where the lads arrived one by one. Instead of + stopping the boys bolted for the launch, in which the + frightened Larry Goheen already had sought safety.</p> + + <p>"Cast off," yelled George, the last to leap into the + boat.</p> + + <p>The launch was shoved from the shore and allowed to drift + while the boys sat shivering, listening to the wails from the + forest.</p> + + <p>"Good-bye," answered Sam.</p> + + <p>"Fellows, we are all cowards," declared George, beginning to + get control of himself. "We should have staid and knocked them + out."</p> + + <p>"I'll go back, if you say so," answered Billy promptly.</p> + + <p>"No. I've got enough of this place. To-morrow morning we + break camp and go back to the other camping place. No more + ghost parties for mine."</p> + + <p>"As long as we have decided to move why not go now," + suggested Larry.</p> + + <p>The boys discussed the matter briefly, then decided that + they would. Sam was put on guard to watch for the return of the + ghosts while the others hurriedly broke camp. But there were no + more ghostly moans nor ghostly intruders that night.</p> + + <p>The ghosts in the persons of the Meadow-Brook Girls were on + their way to their rowboat. Beaching it they sat down and + laughed until their eyes were wet with tears.</p> + + <p>"It was a mean trick to play on them," gasped Miss Elting. + "But I think we have more than won our wager. It is a wonder + that they didn't suspect us."</p> + + <p>"There goes a boat!" cried Jane. "It's a launch."</p> + + <p>"It is the boys. We have frightened them off," answered Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>The girls rowed quickly home, but ere they had reached the + entrance to the secret creek they were startled by the sound of + a shrill scream. They recognized the voice as Tommy's and began + to shout, and to row with all their might. A moment later, just + as they were about to turn into the opening with their boat, a + canoe shot out and darted across their bows, disappearing in + the darkness.</p> + + <p>"A man, a man!" yelled Tommy as Harriet shouted to know if + the two girls were all right. Tommy threw open the door and in + her excitement walked off the after deck of the "Red Rover" and + fell forward into the stream.</p> + + <p>"Jane, do you recognize that man?" cried Harriet + excitedly.</p> + + <p>"Yes," exclaimed Jane, "he's the man I saw this afternoon, + and he's our mysterious enemy too, or my name's not Jane + McCarthy."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XXIII'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> + + <h3>ON A STORMY CRUISE</h3><br> + + + <p>It was late on the following forenoon when the Meadow-Brook + Girls might have been observed towing the "Red Rover" out from + the creek in which it had been anchored. They decided that it + was high time to leave.</p> + + <p>During their absence, and while they were frightening the + Tramp Club with sheets draped over sticks and carried high + above their heads, Tommy and Margery had been having an + exciting experience. They had been anxiously peering out of the + cabin, when after an hour or so they discovered a canoe + approaching the scow. At first they thought it one of their own + party who was paddling the canoe. They soon discovered that it + was a man. The girls were too frightened to do more than watch + him in almost breathless silence. But when the man climbed + aboard the after deck, after satisfying himself that the boat + was deserted, they decided that it was time to move.</p> + + <p>Tommy uttered a scream. Margery followed suit and their + cries had been heard by the returning ghost party. The man did + not tarry to see who had screamed. He sprang into the creek, + where, pushing his canoe ahead of him, he ran down the stream. + He had then leaped in and had given the paddle the first swift + sweep when discovered by Harriet and her party.</p> + + <p>Miss Elting was really alarmed when she heard their story. + She decided to sit up all night and watch. Jane and Harriet + kept watch with her. They did not retire until daylight, after + which they got a few hours of sleep. Then came a late breakfast + and the preparations for departure. They were going back to the + other side of the lake, where they intended to tie up at their + old anchorage near the main camp of the Tramp Club.</p> + + <p>After dragging the houseboat out and finding a suitable + anchorage, Harriet rowed over to the mainland. Running up to + the farmhouse she telephoned to the nearest town for a launch + to come down and give them a tow. Billy Gordon and his motor + boat were not on hand for the purpose this morning.</p> + + <p>When about eleven o'clock a launch came down the coast in + search of them the wind had risen and the lake was rough. It + was an old boat and did not look as though it could stand much + weather. The man running the boat said there was rather a stiff + sea on the other side of the island, but he thought he could + make it. Miss Elting said she would give him five dollars if he + would take them across. He made fast to the "Red Rover" and + started.</p> + + <p>Once they had rounded the island they did not think the + waves would be very high. Being protected by a point of land + they did not get the full force of the wind. Nor did they + realize what a chance they had taken until they had gotten well + out into the lake. There the gale struck them with full force. + Harriet grew really alarmed. She feared the "Red Rover" was not + strong enough to stand up under it. Margery was seasick and the + others also felt the effects of the gale.</p> + + <p>The "Red Rover" was now pitching more violently than ever. + Jane was gazing at the launch wide-eyed, expecting every moment + to see it take a dive, not to come up again. Everything movable + in the "Red Rover's" cabin was being hurled about. The oil + stove long since had tipped over, glass was being smashed, + dishes broken, pieces of each of these were rattling over the + floor. Miss Elting decided that they would be better off + outside.</p> + + <p>Harriet protested against their going on the upper deck, + saying that they might be blown off into the lake. Jane was + protecting herself by clinging to a rope. The awning suddenly + ballooned and went up into the air, taking some of the awning + posts with it. Miss Elting had no further desire to go up on + deck after that. With her charges she kept close to the deck + house, where they shielded themselves from the wind as much as + possible.</p> + + <p>"He's turning round," shouted Jane, with hands to lips.</p> + + <p>"Don't let him. He will upset us."</p> + + <p>Jane yelled at the man in the launch, who—not daring + to brave the seas any longer, was slowly turning his launch + about. He shook his head, evidently thinking she was ordering + him to continue. Seeing that her words were of no avail, Crazy + Jane leaped down to the forward deck and casting the tow line + from the cleat, flung it out on the water.</p> + + <p>"Hook on the other end and tow us back if you want to. Don't + you know better than to turn us around in all this storm?" she + yelled.</p> + + <p>The boatman ran up to the stern where Harriet was doing her + best to keep the boat's head to the wind, but was slowly losing + ground. She motioned to him to keep off and beckoned to him to + cast the tow line to her so she could make it fast at that end. + Harriet had forgotten that there was no rudder at the other + end. But the boatman persisted in getting up close to the + houseboat. All at once what Harriet had feared did happen. The + launch was picked up on a heavy swell and hurled against the + houseboat. There followed the sound of crunching woodwork. The + launch began to fill with water.</p> + + <p>"Jump!" shouted Captain Harriet. "You're sinking."</p> + + <p>The boatman clung to his craft a moment longer, then leaped + into the lake. He was not a good swimmer, but fortunately the + waves were rolling toward the houseboat, carrying him in that + direction. Harriet had dropped the tiller and was watching him + narrowly. There was no rope ready, the one that usually lay at + hand having been lost with the launch, which slowly settled in + the water, then disappeared.</p> + + <p>The girl saw that the man was likely to be hurled against + the side of the houseboat. She snatched up a boathook and when + he came within reach thrust it out to him.</p> + + <p>"Hold steady until that wave passes, then I'll pull you in," + she called. The blow from the waves took nearly all the breath + out of the man, but as soon as it had passed, Harriet hauled + him quickly aboard.</p> + + <p>Miss Elting reported that the "Red Rover" was leaking, that + the launch had crushed in a plank on the side.</p> + + <p>"Stuff clothing in the hole," ordered Jane. "Here you, Mr. + Man, please go in there and see if you can't nail up the broken + place. You've got to do something or you'll never set foot on + land again."</p> + + <p>Off in the camp of the Tramp Club there was great + excitement. The boys had discovered the craft laboring in the + heavy sea, and as it drew nearer to their side of the lake, + they discovered that it was none other than the "Red + Rover."</p> + + <p>"They're in trouble, boys. Billy, will your boat stand it?" + asked George.</p> + + <p>"As long as we can keep the water out of her."</p> + + <p>"Then let's get aboard. No, you fellows stay here. There's a + load of them out there to fetch back if we ever get close + enough to take them off."</p> + + <p>The motors were working, but no sooner had the two boys + gotten clear of the little pier at their camp than the engines + suddenly stopped and the boat drifted back.</p> + + <p>"There's a short circuit somewhere," called Billy. "Hold + her. I'll find it and we'll be going very shortly."</p> + + <p>"Hurry, Billy! They're in an awful mess over there," urged + George.</p> + + <p>It seemed as though the "Red Rover" must be torn to pieces. + The boat was now drifting broadside to the waves. Every large + wave would break against the side, then leap clear over the + boat. Every wave seemed powerful enough to crush in the sides. + But they came out dripping, glistening red after each + onslaught. The boatman had succeeded in patching the rent + caused by the collision, but the upper deck was leaking in many + places. The "Red Rover" had been strained almost to the + breaking-up point. It was now fairly wallowing in the foaming + sea dashing against its weather side. Harriet had given up + trying to do anything with the rudder. She could not keep the + bow of the boat around to the seas. It persisted in lying + broadside on, where it took the full force of the waves.</p> + + <p>"There comes a boat," cried Jane, who had been on the upper + deck, waving a sheet as a signal that they were in distress. + All hands peered toward the mainland. They saw a launch making + slow progress toward them. The little boat seemed to be + standing with her bow in the air most of the time. First it + would rear then plunge. As it neared them they saw that it was + Billy Gordon's boat, bearing himself and George Baker.</p> + + <p>"Cast a line! I don't dare get near," shouted Billy when + close enough to make his voice heard.</p> + + <p>"We haven't any. Cast your own," answered Harriet.</p> + + <p>George did the casting. He failed three times but on the + fourth cast Harriet caught the line and quickly made it fast to + a cleat at the forward end being nearly swept overboard in the + effort. The "Red Rover" straightened out on her course. For a + moment the launch seemed to be losing ground rather than + gaining, then slowly it began to pick up and shortly after that + was making slow progress toward shore.</p> + + <p>There were many spectators to that battle, none of whom + believed that either launch or houseboat, ever would reach the + land. Other boats refused to venture out in such a gale. Even + the big boats remained tied up. So much water was taken aboard + by the launch that George was fully occupied in bailing. A + piece of oilcloth had been thrown over the engines and battery + coils to keep these from getting soaked and thus causing a + stoppage of the engine.</p> + + <p>For two hours did launch and houseboat labor through the + seas, fighting every inch of the way. Harriet's arms ached from + handling the tiller. She was wet to the skin but clung steadily + to her work. The boatman was kept inside to watch for and stop + leaks, of which there were many before the voyage came to an + end. At last the "Red Rover" slipped into comparatively calm + water, amid a chorus of yells from the boys on shore. George + got up and waved his cap to the girls. They answered the salute + with three cheers, then Billy pulled the scow up to her former + anchorage, and in a few moments she lay rolling easily in a + moderate swell, safe, though considerably strained from her + wild voyage across a lake that many larger and more seaworthy + boats would have hesitated to brave.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XXIV'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> + + <h3>CONCLUSION</h3><br> + + + <p>It was late in the evening when some sort of order had been + restored in the cabin of the "Red Rover." The boys had turned + to and worked like Trojans, helping to get the water out of the + boat, to mend broken places and throw the broken dishes + overboard.</p> + + <p>When all was done Miss Elting served a luncheon to them, + mostly canned stuff, all the other food having been ruined in + the voyage across the lake. It was during the luncheon that she + made a confession for herself and companions. She told the + Tramp Club how they had dressed up in white sheets and chased + the boys from the island; how they had hidden in the cave with + their boat; how Jane had discovered the half-breed and narrowly + missed a double discovery herself.</p> + + <p>"And now," concluded Miss Elting, "that is the way we played + our tricks. Perhaps we won the contest but after your bravery + to-day we feel that far greater honors are due to you + boys."</p> + + <p>The boys, whose faces had flushed during the recital, now + broke into a hearty laugh.</p> + + <p>"That's the best joke ever played on a bunch of fellows," + cried Billy. "And you've won the wager fairly enough. You don't + need to apologize for the ghosts. The trouble is we tried to + play worse jokes on you, but you turned them on us every time. + If we got you out of the lake it was by good luck, not because + we were so awfully brave. I'll never brag about bravery after + last night. And now good night. You folks are tired and want to + go to bed. We'll see that you aren't disturbed this evening. + You don't think of working your disappearing act to-night, do + you?"</p> + + <p>"No. We have had sufficient excitement for one day," + answered Miss Elting laughingly. "We are going to invite you + over to dinner soon, then we will have a happy good-bye party + before we leave. By the way, boys, we are going ashore in the + morning on a shopping trip. As all of us wish to go I am going + to ask you if you will keep an eye on the 'Red Rover.' There is + very little possibility that our enemy will visit it in broad + daylight, still it is best to take proper precautions against + further attacks."</p> + + <p>"We'll be very glad to look out for the 'Red Rover' while + you're away," responded George heartily. "That is if you can + assure us that you won't try any new vanishing tricks."</p> + + <p>"We give you our solemn promise," laughed Harriet. "The 'Red + Rover' has played her last trick."</p> + + <p>Harriet's laughing assurance, however, was destined to prove + truer than she had dreamed. The next morning the girls rose + early, and after a hasty breakfast went ashore to do their + shopping, secure in the thought that the Tramp Club would keep + an eye on the "Red Rover."</p> + + <p>In the meantime the boys had posted a watch on the shore, in + the person of Billy Gordon, who seated comfortably on the + ground, his back against a big tree, glanced frequently out + over the lake to where the "Red Rover" lay at anchor, her red + sides glistening in the sun.</p> + + <p>It was well towards noon when Billy rose from the ground and + strolled lazily down to the beach. Suddenly his good-natured + face took on a startled look as he stared anxiously toward the + houseboat. A moment later he was running toward the tent at + full speed.</p> + + <p>"Fellows, come out here!" he shouted. "Hurry up!"</p> + + <p>"What's the matter?" asked George Baker, hurrying out of the + tent, the other members of the Tramp Club at his heels.</p> + + <p>"Look!" gasped Billy, pointing toward the "Red Rover." "What + do you make of that?"</p> + + <p>"Why—why—" stammered George Baker. Then he + uttered a sudden cry of alarm. "By George, she's on fire. That + scamp has sneaked in and set fire to the boat under our very + noses. I'm positive that he did it. Pile into the launch with + all the pails you can find and let's get out there. That + villain must have swum over, climbed aboard, and set fire to + the side of the boat away from the shore. That's why we didn't + notice the smoke when she first began to burn."</p> + + <p>By the time they were on their way toward the doomed + houseboat the fire had made tremendous headway. Being an old + boat, the "Red Rover" burned like kindling. It seemed to be + fairly wrapped in flames.</p> + + <p>"It's no use," groaned George. "She'll be gone inside of the + next five minutes. We can't save the boat or anything on board. + I'm thankful the girls were all on shore. That villain must + have watched them go, and then swam out here. If he'd paddled + out in his canoe this morning we'd have seen him. Don't go too + near her, fellows. She's likely to collapse any minute."</p> + + <p>"Look out! She's going!" exclaimed Larry Goheen. A moment + later the whole top of the unwieldy boat fell in, while the + flames attacked the hull with renewed fury.</p> + <hr style='width: 45%;'> + + <p>When the Meadow-Brook Girls returned to the shore of the + lake, that afternoon, well laden with the fruits of their + shopping, they were met by the members of the Tramp Club, who + looked unduly solemn. One glance at their grave faces and + Harriet cried out apprehensively, "What on earth has happened + to you, boys?"</p> + + <p>"We're all right," stammered George, "but the 'Red + Rover'—well, it is—"</p> + + <p>The Meadow-Brook Girls all looked involuntarily in the + direction of where the "Red Rover" had lain that morning.</p> + + <p>"Why—why—where is our boat?" faltered Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>Then George poured forth the story of the morning's + disaster, while the girls listened in consternation to the + recital of the way in which the houseboat had been set fire to + and sunk.</p> + + <p>"Of course that half-breed did it," concluded George, "and + now that we've told you all about it, we are going to start out + after him. I'll wager he's somewhere around this lake yet."</p> + + <p>"I shall go back to the village at once and put the matter + in the hands of the constable," declared Miss Elting. "I shall + also see Dee Dickinson. I hold him indirectly responsible for + all the disagreeable things that have happened to us, and for + this, too."</p> + + <p>"Wait until to-night before you do anything about it," + begged George. "Give the Tramp Club a chance to distinguish + themselves. If we don't get our man by six o'clock to-night, + then put the matter in the hands of the authorities. In the + meantime, won't you accept our hospitality for the day? We + offer you the use of our camp while we go out on a man + hunt."</p> + + <p>After some further conversation Miss Elting reluctantly + agreed to the boys' plan, and after considerable mourning over + the lost "Red Rover," the girls settled themselves in the camp + of the tramps to await the return of the boys.</p> + + <p>"It looks as though we would have to go back to Meadow-Brook + a little sooner than we expected, girls," declared Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>"I'd rather go home than thtay around where there are crathy + Indianth," retorted Tommy. "Thuppothe we had been on that boat + when it thank."</p> + + <p>"We wouldn't have been so foolish as to stay on it if it had + been sinking," laughed Harriet. "Besides all of us can swim. + Our enemy took good care to set fire to the boat when we + weren't on it."</p> + + <p>"I wonder what his object is in persecuting us so," mused + Hazel. "None of us have ever harmed him."</p> + + <p>"Ask Dee Dickinson," advised Jane dryly.</p> + + <p>"We certainly shall do so, this very night," returned Miss + Elting, with compressed lips.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile the Tramp Club had pursued what bade fair to be a + fruitless quest. Search as they might they could find no trace + of their quarry. Late in the afternoon the launch reached the + entrance to the hidden creek where the "Red Rover" had recently + lain snug and secure.</p> + + <p>"This is certainly an ideal hiding place," declared George, + as he scanned the bank on both sides. "I don't + wonder—"</p> + + <p>He was interrupted by an excited shout from Larry, who had + also been keeping a sharp lookout. "There he goes!" he + yelled.</p> + + <p>A long dark green canoe had shot out from under an + overhanging ledge of rock. The sole occupant was paddling with + swift, noiseless strokes toward the mouth of the creek, intent + on reaching the lake and making his escape.</p> + + <p>"It's the half-breed!" yelled Larry excitedly.</p> + + <p>"He's been hiding up here waiting for night to come. He + thought that we didn't know about this place. Now that we've + hunted him down, he's trying to make a quick get-away. Once out + of the creek he can give us the slip. Fellows, we've got to get + him!"</p> + + <p>Billy, who was at the wheel, began backing the launch toward + the mouth of the creek. Not for an instant did the boys lose + sight of their man, and the moment the boat reached open water + it was sent ahead at full speed. Soon they began to gain on the + fugitive, who was paddling with a speed little short of + marvelous.</p> + + <p>"Hold on there!" shouted George. "We've got you anyway. You + might as well surrender!"</p> + + <p>The man in the canoe refused to halt at command, but + continued to paddle desperately, until Billy deliberately ran + him down. An instant later George was holding on to their + captive with an iron grip.</p> + + <p>"Shut down. I've got him!" he yelled. Billy obeyed, and the + half-breed was hauled into the launch, kicking and struggling + furiously.</p> + + <p>"Get a rope," commanded George. "There's a coil of it in the + bow of the launch."</p> + + <p>Five minutes later the Indian was lying in the bottom of the + boat tied beyond all possibility of escape, and the boys were + triumphantly heading for camp.</p> + + <p>"We've got the Indian!" yelled Larry to the little group on + shore as the launch neared the landing in front of the Tramp + Club's camp.</p> + + <p>"We've been watching for you," called Harriet. "We saw you + when you were away up the lake. Have you really got him?"</p> + + <p>"Indeed we have, and tied so that he'd have hard work + getting away," laughed Gordon.</p> + + <p>"What shall we do with him?" asked Larry as they bore the + Indian ashore in triumph.</p> + + <p>"Stand him up against that tree for the present," ordered + George, then grimly wound coil after coil of rope around the + half-breed, securing him with many a hard knot. At last George + stood back to survey his work with admiration.</p> + + <p>"I'd like to see even an Indian get out of that harness," + Baker remarked complacently.</p> + + <p>Harriet and Jane walked over to the tree and looked + searchingly at the captive. Both recognized him as the man they + had seen while the "Red Rover" lay hidden in the creek.</p> + + <p>"Larry and I are going up to the village at once to notify + the authorities," announced George. "We want to get rid of this + fellow as soon as possible."</p> + + <p>"And I am going with you," announced Miss Elting firmly, "to + hunt up Mr. Dee Dickinson. He knows all about this man and the + time has arrived for him to tell me the truth."</p> + <hr style='width: 45%;'> + + <p>Dickinson at first refused flatly to give Miss Elting any + satisfaction concerning the Indian.</p> + + <p>"Then I shall have you arrested as a suspicious character, + also," declared Miss Elting sternly. "Unless you give me a full + explanation of this whole affair I shall have you taken in + custody by the authorities. Understand you are to tell me + everything."</p> + + <p>Dickinson, however, seeing that Miss Elting would admit of + no trifling, decided that it would be better to make a clean + breast of the matter.</p> + + <p>"The Indian's name is Charlie Lavaille," he began sullenly, + "though he's commonly called French Charlie. He makes a sort of + living at fishing, and he hired the houseboat from me."</p> + + <p>"Then you rented the boat to some one else, and afterwards + turned it over to us without letting us know?" asked Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>"He rented the houseboat after a fashion," Dickinson + explained lamely, "though he didn't pay any rent down, and + hasn't paid a penny since. He was going to pay me, he said, at + the end of the season. Now, of course, when you came up here + with a message from your brother, and claimed the boat, I had + to let you have it. If Charlie had paid any money, I would have + refunded it to him; but as he hadn't paid a cent there was + nothing to do but to turn the boat over to you."</p> + + <p>"And you left us in ignorance of all this, when the + knowledge of it might have saved us much trouble, let alone the + danger we ran and the final loss of the boat?" Miss Elting + asked accusingly.</p> + + <p>"Well, you see, it was hard to explain," replied Dee + Dickinson reluctantly. "At any rate, at the time I thought it + would be hard to explain, so I let it go without telling you. I + tried to make it all clear to Charlie that, having paid no + money, he had no claim on the boat, but you can't explain a + thing like that to an Indian. So Charlie wouldn't listen to + anything I could say. The half-breed isn't right in his head, + anyway, I'm inclined to think."</p> + + <p>"So, without warning, you left us at the mercy of a possibly + insane Indian?" Miss Elting persisted. "Mr. Dickinson, you have + acted in a very cowardly fashion toward women who had been sent + here believing that they were to be in a measure under your + protection. You should be compelled to suffer for it. I shall + write to my brother at once and tell him just what sort of man + you are."</p> + + <p>Dickinson cringed at Miss Elting's severe words and fairly + slunk from the guardian's presence at the close of the + interview.</p> + + <p>The village constable and one of his men returned to the + camp with Miss Elting and the boys to take charge of the + Indian. He was locked up for a few days by the authorities at + Wantagh, then subjected to a rigid examination by a medical + board, and being pronounced insane, was sent away to one of the + state institutions for the demented.</p> + + <p>The Meadow-Brook Girls and Miss Elting said good-bye to the + Tramp Club that evening and spent the night at the village + hotel.</p> + + <p>"We've had a fine time at any rate," said Jane McCarthy as + they discussed all over again the exciting happenings of the + day before, at breakfast the next morning. "Where are we going + next? Vacation isn't half over yet."</p> + + <p>"Why we're going home, aren't we?" asked Harriet, turning to + Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"Not so you could notice it!" exclaimed Jane slangily. "That + is not if Miss Elting will listen to my plan. Promise me you'll + do as I ask, Miss Elting."</p> + + <p>"I never make rash promises," laughed Miss Elting. "Tell us + what you wish to do and then we'll see about it."</p> + + <p>"I want to take you all for a week's drive in my car. You've + been through so much here at the lake that my peculiar style of + driving will hold no terrors for you. What do you say? Will you + go?"</p> + + <p>"If I thought you could be depended upon, for once, to drive + safely—" began Miss Elting somewhat dubiously. "What is + your pleasure, girls?"</p> + + <p>"We want to go with Jane," was the chorus.</p> + + <p>"Hurrah!" cried Jane. "It's settled. I'll promise to bring + you back home all safe and sound."</p> + + <p>The day was spent in shopping at the village store, as their + belongings had all been aboard the ill-fated "Red Rover." The + Meadow-Brook Girls decided to get along as best they could with + their limited supply of clothing, and depended on buying their + meals at the various hotels and farmhouses along the way. After + a happy week on the road, during which time Jane McCarthy + proved herself to be a safe and careful driver, they turned + their faces toward their own town.</p> + + <p>Once home, Miss Elting lost no time in sending in a report, + to the Chief Guardian of the Camp Girls' Association, of the + "honors" won by the Meadow-Brook Girls. In due time the girls + received their honor beads, which added considerably to the + length of the strings of beads they had already won for + achievement and bravery.</p> + + <p>The Meadow-Brook Girls were destined, however, to win many + more of the coveted beads, and shortly after their return home, + Jane McCarthy held a lengthy consultation with her father; then + invited them and Miss Elting to be her guests on a trip to the + White Mountains. What befell them during their outing in the + New Hampshire hills will be fully set forth in the next volume + of this series entitled, <b>"The Meadow-Brook Girls in the + Hills; Or, The Missing Pilot of the White Mountains."</b></p> + +<br> +<br> +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13577 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/13577-h/images/img001-lg.png b/13577-h/images/img001-lg.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2e8f145 --- /dev/null +++ b/13577-h/images/img001-lg.png diff --git a/13577-h/images/img001-sm.jpg b/13577-h/images/img001-sm.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..b6297db --- /dev/null +++ b/13577-h/images/img001-sm.jpg diff --git a/13577-h/images/img028-lg.png b/13577-h/images/img028-lg.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..9f2adb4 --- /dev/null +++ b/13577-h/images/img028-lg.png diff --git a/13577-h/images/img028-sm.jpg b/13577-h/images/img028-sm.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..eb8f95e --- /dev/null +++ b/13577-h/images/img028-sm.jpg diff --git a/13577-h/images/img088-lg.png b/13577-h/images/img088-lg.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1581321 --- /dev/null +++ b/13577-h/images/img088-lg.png diff --git a/13577-h/images/img088-sm.jpg b/13577-h/images/img088-sm.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..6807155 --- /dev/null +++ b/13577-h/images/img088-sm.jpg diff --git a/13577-h/images/img102-lg.png b/13577-h/images/img102-lg.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..8fe0156 --- /dev/null +++ b/13577-h/images/img102-lg.png diff --git a/13577-h/images/img102-sm.jpg b/13577-h/images/img102-sm.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..04650b1 --- /dev/null +++ b/13577-h/images/img102-sm.jpg diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: The Meadow-Brook Girls Afloat</p> +<p>Author: Janet Aldridge</p> +<p>Release Date: October 2, 2004 [eBook #13577]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS AFLOAT***</p> +<br><br><h3>E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland,<br> + Project Gutenberg Beginners Projects,<br> + Suzanne Lybarger,<br> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team</h3><br><br> +<hr class="full" noshade> + <br> + + + <center> + <a href='images/img001-lg.png'><img src= + 'images/img001-sm.jpg' + width='300' + height='472' + alt='"It’s the ‘Red Rover’!"' + title='"It’s the ‘Red Rover’!"' + border="0"></a><br> + <small><b>"It's the 'Red Rover'!"</b><br> + <i>Frontispiece.</i></small> + </center><br> + <br> + <br> + + + <h1>The Meadow-Brook Girls Afloat</h1> + + <center> + <h3>Or</h3> + </center> + + <h2>The Stormy Cruise of the Red Rover</h2> + + <h3>By</h3> + + <h2>Janet Aldridge</h2> + + <center> + <b>Author of<br> + The Meadow-Brook Girls Under Canvas,<br> + The Meadow-Brook Girls Across Country,<br> + The Meadow-Brook Girls in the Hills, etc.</b><br> + <br> + <br> + + + <h3>Illustrated</h3><br> + 1913<br> + <br> + </center> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CONTENTS'></a> + + <h2>CONTENTS</h2><br> + + + <p>CHAPTER</p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_I'>I. SCENTING A MYSTERY</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_II'>II. CRAZY JANE MAKES A + DISCOVERY</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_III'>III. SETTING UP HOUSEKEEPING</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_IV'>IV. A SUDDEN AWAKENING</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_V'>V. LAND HO!</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_VI'>VI. CAPTAIN GEORGE MAKES A + FIND</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_VII'>VII. A MYSTERIOUS NIGHT + JOURNEY</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_VIII'>VIII. THE ISLAND OF DELIGHT</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_IX'>IX. THE TRAMP CLUB IS ALARMED</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_X'>X. THEIR SUSPICIONS AROUSED</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XI'>XI. MARGERY MAKES A CUSTARD</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XII'>XII. MAKING AN EXCITING + DISCOVERY</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XIII'>XIII. AN EARLY MORNING + SURPRISE</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XIV'>XIV. THE MIDNIGHT ALARM</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XV'>XV. THE ROUT OF THE PIRATE + CREW</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XVI'>XVI. A MIDNIGHT VISITOR</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XVII'>XVII. A STRANGE + DISAPPEARANCE</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XVIII'>XVIII. A FRUITLESS SEARCH</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XIX'>XIX. THE TRAMP CLUB FINDS A + CLUE</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XX'>XX. JANE PLAYS EAVESDROPPER</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XXI'>XXI. A DOUBLE SURPRISE</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XXII'>XXII. SPOOKS OF THE LONESOME + ISLE</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XXIII'>XXIII. ON A STORMY CRUISE</a></p> + + <p><a href='#CHAPTER_XXIV'>XXIV. CONCLUSION</a></p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='The_Meadow_Brook_Girls_Afloat'></a> + + <a name='CHAPTER_I'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER I</h2> + + <h3>SCENTING A MYSTERY</h3><br> + + + <p>"I wouldn't advise you young ladies to take the boat + out."</p> + + <p>Miss Elting instantly recalled the message from her brother. + The telegram was in her pocket at that moment, "If you have any + trouble, Dee Dickinson will see that you are protected," read + the message. It was Dee Dickinson who had spoken to her that + moment.</p> + + <p>Dee had made a distinctly unfavorable impression on Miss + Elting, the guardian and companion of the Meadow-Brook Girls. + Her brother's fishing boat had been left in the care of this + man by her brother Bert, who had now turned it over to his + sister and the Meadow-Brook Girls for their summer + vacation.</p> + + <p>"Why not?" questioned the young woman in answer to his words + of warning. "Isn't the boat in good condition?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes. That is, it isn't by any means in a sinking + condition."</p> + + <p>"Then why do you advise us not to use it?"</p> + + <p>"The lake gets rather rough at times, you know," he replied + evasively.</p> + + <p>"My brother wrote you that we were coming up here, did he + not?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes. But you see it's been a year since he used the old + scow. She is a year older, now, and—"</p> + + <p>"I am quite sure that my brother would not have permitted us + to take the houseboat were it not perfectly safe for us to do + so. Please tell me what is the matter with it?"</p> + + <p>"There's nothing the matter with it, I tell you, except that + it's an old fishing scow with a roof over it. It isn't a fit + place for a party of young ladies," Dee replied, with a shrug + of his shoulders. "Of course, if you are set on taking the + boat, I'll have to get it ready for you; but, if anything + happens to it, remember that I warned you."</p> + + <p>"We shall not forget," answered the guardian dryly. "If it + stays on top of the lake we surely cannot expect anything more. + Where is the boat?"</p> + + <p>"A couple of miles down the lake."</p> + + <p>"Kindly direct us so that we may find it, and—"</p> + + <p>"No, no," interposed Dickinson hastily. "I'll have it + brought up here to the dock, so you can get at it more easily. + There'll be some things you will wish to do to it. Having it + here at Wantagh will be much more convenient for you. I'll try + to have it here for you by to-night, or early in the morning. + But you'll be sick of your bargain, I promise you that."</p> + + <p>"Do you mean us to infer that the boat is not safe?" + interjected Harriet Burrell.</p> + + <p>"I haven't said so," answered the man rather sharply, + turning to her. "I've told you that it isn't the kind of craft + for young women to live on all summer."</p> + + <p>"We shall decide that matter ourselves," returned Miss + Elting coldly.</p> + + <p>"Very good. Suit yourselves."</p> + + <p>"I think you had better take us to the boat now before + anything further is done in the matter."</p> + + <p>"No. You had better have it brought here," persisted + Dickinson. "Do you know where Johnson's dock is?"</p> + + <p>The guardian hesitated. She was regarding the man with some + suspicion.</p> + + <p>"It's at the foot of the second street beyond, down that + way. I'll have the boat down there in a couple of hours. I've + got to get a motor boat, or something of the sort to tow it + down. It probably will leak some, not having been in the water + this season until yesterday. You had better go over to the + hotel and get your dinner. I'll come up and let you know when + the scow is ready. Go right over and make yourself at home. + I'll do the best I can. Bert's an old friend of mine."</p> + + <p>Dickinson hurried away, without further words. The girls + looked at each other and laughed.</p> + + <p>"Well, if Dee Dickinson is a friend of your brother, I must + say I don't admire your brother's friends," declared + Harriet.</p> + + <p>"That ith what I thay," agreed Grace Thompson.</p> + + <p>"Tommy, you shouldn't have said that," reproved Hazel + Holland.</p> + + <p>"She didn't. Harriet said it," retorted Margery.</p> + + <p>"Buster is right," laughed Jane McCarthy. "Come on, girls! + Let's go to dinner, as the shifty-eyed gentleman advised. I + hope it is dinner. I never could get used to luncheon in the + middle of the day when Nature intended that a girl should have + a full meal of the real food. Where is the old hotel?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know, Jane. There is something strange about this + affair. I am sure that Bert must have known what he was about, + or he wouldn't have sent me the message he did. However, we + shall see. There is no need to borrow trouble. We shall know + how to deal with it when we meet it face to face. Let's go and + look for this hotel that our friend, Mr. Dee, has + recommended."</p> + + <p>Getting into the automobile Jane started her car, and they + drove through the town in search of the hotel, which they found + after a few inquiries. The prosperous village of Wantagh was + located on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. It was there that + Miss Elting's brother had begun to practice law, but after one + year's practice in the little village had listened to the call + of the West. He had left in Wantagh the old scow, dignified by + the name of "houseboat" to which was attached the further title + of "Red Rover." It was in this lumbering craft that Miss Elting + and her young friends, the Meadow-Brook Girls, had planned to + spend part of their summer vacation. Their meeting with + Dickinson, in whose care the boat had been left, was quite + discouraging. Dee was not a prepossessing fellow; what + impressed them most unfavorably about him was his shifty eyes. + He seldom permitted himself to meet the gaze of the person with + whom he was talking.</p> + + <p>Some inquiry, after reaching the hotel, developed the fact + that Dee Dickinson was a notary, did a little real estate + business, and drew a few papers for his neighbors, thus + managing to eke out a precarious living. So far as the girls + were able to find out, Dickinson's character was above + reproach. Miss Elting chided herself for having formed a wrong + opinion of the man. Still she could not overcome her irritation + at his evident reluctance in getting the boat ready.</p> + + <p>It was quite late in the afternoon when Dee appeared at the + hotel, red of face, his clothes soiled and wet.</p> + + <p>"Well, we got the old thing," was his greeting.</p> + + <p>"Is the boat here?" inquired the guardian coldly.</p> + + <p>"Yes, Miss Elting. It's down at Johnson's dock this very + minute. You can go down there and look at it. I've got some + business to—"</p> + + <p>"Please go with us. There will be things about it which we + shall wish to ask you. Does the boat leak much?"</p> + + <p>He shook his head.</p> + + <p>"It's all right," he said. "I can't spare the time to go + to-day."</p> + + <p>"If I might venture to offer to pay you for your trouble," + suggested the guardian, not certain whether he would resent her + offer of money. Dickinson, however, was not easily + insulted.</p> + + <p>"Of course, if—if you wish, I—yes, of course," + he mumbled.</p> + + <p>Miss Elting handed him two dollars. Dickinson led the way + down to the dock, though without enthusiasm.</p> + + <p>"There's the tub," he said, pointing toward what appeared, + at first glance, to be a huge box. "That is it."</p> + + <p>The girls walked out on the dock and stood gazing at the + boat. In the first place, the "Red Rover" was not red at all. + It had once had a prime coat of yellow paint, but this had + succumbed to storm and sunshine. The windows had been boarded + up; and the exterior of the craft bore out all that Dee + Dickinson had said of it.</p> + + <p>"Thirty feet on the water line," explained the man, for want + of something better to say.</p> + + <p>The boat, originally, had been a scow used for the purpose + of towing the effects of summer residents of the island across + the lake. Bert Elting had bought it for a small sum of money, + and had built the house over it. He and a friend, had spent + many days and nights aboard, anchored out on the fishing + grounds. When they desired to change their location a launch + usually could be found to tow them about.</p> + + <p>At each end of the house there was a cockpit some three feet + long. In other words the house did not extend the full length + of the boat. At the rear there was a long-handed tiller. The + boat was flat as a floor.</p> + + <p>"If the inside is as handsome as the outside, we shall have + the nightmare all the time," declared Margery.</p> + + <p>"We had better look at the inside," reflected Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>There were doors at each end. The girls entered by the rear + door.</p> + + <p>"Mercy!" exclaimed the guardian. "How warm it is in here. + Mr. Dickinson, is there any glass in those windows?"</p> + + <p>Dickinson shook his head.</p> + + <p>"Then please knock out the boards."</p> + + <p>Harriet already was doing this. She succeeded in ripping off + a few planks, letting in the fresh air and sunlight. What they + saw then did not please them. The floor was covered with + rubbish. There was food scattered about, the walls were greasy. + At one side stood an old stove, red with rust, its pipe dented + in, and the ashes heaped high on the floor where the last + occupant had left them.</p> + + <p>Harriet stepped over by the stove to get a different + perspective of the interior of the old craft. She rested one + hand on the stove, but withdrew it quickly. She seemed about to + say something, then abruptly checked her speech.</p> + + <p>"Girls," said Miss Elting, "I don't know whether we shall be + able to do anything with this boat or not. What do you + think?"</p> + + <p>"Of course we shall," answered Harriet promptly. "A good + scrubbing and a little fixing up will make a delightful summer + home of it."</p> + + <p>"This is my treat, you know," interjected Jane. "That is, + you know Miss Elting was to furnish the boat and I was to do + all the rest."</p> + + <p>"Oh, no! We couldn't permit you to do that," answered the + guardian.</p> + + <p>"A bargain's a bargain," declared Jane. "I'll get the paint. + You folks, in the meantime, look the place over and see what + else you need. I'll go back to the village for the things you + decide on when we get ready for them."</p> + + <p>"What color shall we paint the boat?" questioned Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>"Red, of course," cried Harriet. "Surely, you wouldn't paint + a 'Red Rover' green, would you?"</p> + + <p>"I think we had better paint the inside of the boat white," + advised Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"Then white it shall be," declared Jane. "Mr. Dickinson, you + come with me and show me where to get the paint. I'm off, + girls. I think we'd better stay at the hotel to-night. Our + palatial yacht won't be ready for us."</p> + + <p>Jane hurried out, followed by Dickinson. He was eager to get + away. While she was gone the girls consulted with Miss Elting + as to what was necessary to be done to the boat. They were full + of enthusiasm despite the discouraging condition in which they + had found the "Red Rover," for the possibilities of making it a + delightful home, were plain to all of them.</p> + + <p>Jane McCarthy came racing back with her car, three quarters + of an hour later. Two men were in the car with her who wore + overalls and small round caps.</p> + + <p>"Here are the painters who are going to make the outside of + the boat look pretty," cried the girl. "Now, men, get to work + and do your best! If you do a good job you get your money. If + you don't, you get a ducking in the pond! Here, girls, help me + unload this stuff."</p> + + <p>There were cans of paint, a mop, two brooms, tin and wooden + pails, scrub brushes, soap and a miscellaneous assortment of + useful articles.</p> + + <p>"Now, girls, let's get to work," cried Jane. "This is our + busy day. There'll be another man down here with some windows, + soon. We've got to have some hot water. Harriet, can you heat + it?"</p> + + <p>For answer Harriet hurried along the beach, picking up such + dry sticks as she could find. She soon had a fire started in + the stove.</p> + + <p>"We must stand by the fire with pails of water. I haven't + much confidence in that stovepipe," she exclaimed laughingly. + "However, we have plenty of water near, in case of need."</p> + + <p>Tommy had gotten a broom and a dustpan and was already + raising a cloud of dust by her efforts at sweeping.</p> + + <p>"For goodness' sake, sprinkle the floor before you sweep," + begged Margery chokingly. Hazel dipped up a pail of water from + the lake and sprinkled it through her fingers over the floor of + the boat. All the others save Harriet had fled, driven out by + the choking dust. The sweeping was now attended with more + comfort. Dustpan after dustpan full of dirt was gathered up and + tossed into the lake. Tommy surveyed her work with a frowning + face.</p> + + <p>"It lookth worthe than it did before," she declared. "Thee + the greathe thpotth. What fine houthekeeping."</p> + + <p>"Men are lazy housekeepers," laughed Miss Elting. "I shall + have to write to Bert and tell him what we think of his + housekeeping."</p> + + <p>As soon as the water was heated, Jane produced some full + length gingham aprons, which she tossed to her companions. + Arrayed in these, the girls took up scrub brushes and soap and + got to work on the inside of the cabin. Their skirts were + pinned up, their sleeves rolled back to the shoulders and they + looked like veritable scrub women.</p> + + <p>"Let's all work on the same side of the boat," called Jane. + "I want one side to get dry so we can begin to paint it." The + slap, slap of the painters' brushes already was heard on the + outside. The remaining boards over the windows had been torn + off and carefully laid aside for other uses.</p> + + <p>Two hours later Jane got the painters to open the cans of + white paint and stir up the contents. The men put in plenty of + drier so the paint would dry quickly and began their work. + Tommy could not resist trying to paint too. Seizing a brush she + began laying about her, sending the paint into her hair, over + her clothes and spattering her companions until they threatened + to throw her overboard if she did not desist. Tommy's impish + face already was decorated with polka dots of white paint.</p> + + <p>"I would suggest that Tommy go out and use some red paint," + said Harriet laughingly. "Some red dots would make you look + perfectly lovely, dear."</p> + + <p>"Yes and some blue," added Jane. "She'd be red, white and + blue then, and we could hang her over the stern. That would + save getting a flag."</p> + + <p>"Girls, what are we going to do with the ceiling!" asked + Miss Elting, regarding it with wrinkled forehead.</p> + + <p>"We might paint in white between the beams, covering the + beams themselves with green," suggested Harriet.</p> + + <p>"That would be pretty," agreed the guardian, tilting her + head to one side and regarding the ceiling reflectively. "Yes, + it would be very artistic. Have we any green paint?"</p> + + <p>"We'll have some," answered Jane promptly. "What shade?"</p> + + <p>"Grath green," suggested Tommy.</p> + + <p>"Olive," suggested Hazel.</p> + + <p>Miss Elting nodded. Olive green paint would look well for + the ceiling, she decided. Already the interior of the houseboat + was beginning to brighten. But they saw that, to do a + thoroughly good job, at least two coats of paint would be + necessary. They hoped to get one coat of paint on before night, + putting on the finishing coat on the following morning.</p> + + <p>The slap, slap of the brushes outside had ceased and the men + were heard talking. Jane rushed out brandishing her paint + brush.</p> + + <p>"Get to work, you lazy bones!" she shouted. "Am I paying you + for holding conversations about red paint! On with your + work!"</p> + + <p>Jane presented such a ferocious appearance that the painters + resumed their work hurriedly. There was no more lagging on + their part. Jane frequently ran out to see what they were + doing. The result was that the "Red Rover" was painted in + record time, both outside and in, and a coat of paint laid on + the top of the house. Jane McCarthy had an idea in regard to + this roof. The next morning she put the plan into + execution.</p> + + <p>That night the girls were so tired that they gave no thought + to their appearance until they had reached their rooms at the + hotel and looked into their mirrors. Their paint-streaked + countenances were a sight to behold and Tommy carried a part of + her facial decorations to bed with her.</p> + + <p>They were up early on the following morning, and were first + in the dining room at breakfast.</p> + + <p>"I just can't wait until I get to work," declared Jane + McCarthy, her eyes shining.</p> + + <p>"I can wait until I've eaten my breakfast," replied Margery, + then flushed as Tommy giggled meaningly.</p> + + <p>Readers of the first volume of this series, <b>"The + Meadow-Brook Girls Under Canvas"</b> will recall the many + exciting adventures that befell the five girls and their + guardian, Miss Elting, while summering at Camp Wau-Wau, a part + of the Camp Girls' organization. The attempts of two + mischief-making camp girls to disgrace Harriet in the eyes of + the camp, Harriet's brave rescue of her enemies during a severe + storm and her generous method of dealing with them aroused the + interest and admiration of the reader. The various ludicrous + happenings in which Grace Thompson and Jane McCarthy figured + prominently also added to this absorbing narrative of outdoor + life.</p> + + <p><b>"The Meadow-Brook Girls Across Country"</b> relates the + adventures of the girls and their guardian on their homeward + march from Camp Wau-Wau. Their meeting with a number of boys on + a hike, who styled themselves the Tramp Club, and the + subsequent wager made with them by the Meadow-Brook Girls to + race them to the town of Meadow-Brook, furnished the theme for + the narrative. While following the fortunes of the road the + girls met with numerous adventures. The reader will recall + their encounter with the tramps, their rescue by Sybarina, the + Gipsy, and the night spent in the Gipsy camp where Harriet, + disguised as a Gipsy, told the fortune of George Baker the + leader of the Tramp Club, and at the same time under the + pretense of revealing his past rated him soundly for a trick + which he and his band had played upon the girls.</p> + + <p>Once back in Meadow-Brook the girls had settled down to a + busy winter in high school. Now that summer had come again, + accompanied by Miss Elting, they had planned to spend their + vacation on Lake Winnipesaukee, aboard a houseboat owned by + Miss Elting's brother.</p> + + <p>The "Red Rover" in its coat of bright new paint looked + really fine that morning. As the girls neared it the odor of + fresh paint was borne to their nostrils on the breeze that + drifted in from the lake. Full of enthusiasm the girls hurried + aboard the boat. There was much to be done, and all were eager + to settle their home and to begin the fascinating life that was + before them, a life that not one of the girls had ever before + enjoyed. The painters came soon after, and began putting on the + second coat of paint. The girls, as soon as they had donned + aprons and gloves, started to put on the second coat in the + interior of the boat. The windows were on hand, ready to be set + in place and everyone went to work with a will.</p> + + <p>So rapidly did the girls and Jane's painters work that, by + noon, the work, both inside and out, had been completed, + including a coat of paint on the floor. The painters were paid + off by Jane and dismissed. Jane stepped out on the pier to + survey the work.</p> + + <p>"Girls, we've forgotten something," she cried. "We must have + the name on the side of the boat. The 'Red Rover' you know? I + forgot that when the men were here. Can any of you print?"</p> + + <p>"I think perhaps I might do it," answered Miss Elting. "But + we shall have to wait until the red paint dries. Suppose we sit + down and rest for an hour or so?"</p> + + <p>"Rest!" shouted Crazy Jane. "There's no rest for the + Meadow-Brook Girls. It's work and trouble and trouble and work + all day and all night. Girls, we've got to have a new stove, + and we must have a lot of other things, including some curtains + and home comforts. Can you help me load the old stove into the + car?"</p> + + <p>"Not without breaking it, I'm afraid," answered Miss Elting + laughingly.</p> + + <p>"Then get the axe. We'll smash the old thing. Hey there, you + man," Jane shouted at a passing farmer. "Want to earn fifty + cents? Well, get busy here, and help us move the stove."</p> + + <p>With the aid of the farmer they took down the old wood stove + and loaded it into the automobile. Next they made a hurried + toilet and drove into the village. Most of the afternoon was + spent in making purchases. All the bedding had been shipped by + freight, as had the folding cots, the cooking utensils and + their tent. Harriet proposed that they make the tent into an + awning over the upper deck. She thought it would be a pleasant + place to sit in the evenings. Her companions agreed with her. + This necessitated calling in a carpenter. He was sent out to + the boat to do the work while they were finishing their + shopping.</p> + + <p>Among the purchases was an oil stove—Jane had sold the + old one—a large quantity of canned goods, potatoes and + other vegetables, all of which they planned to stow in the + front of the houseboat under oilcloth. Here also was stowed a + huge sea chest that had belonged to Jane's great-grandfather. + It was supposed to be water-tight and in this the Meadow-Brook + Girls decided to place all their extra clothing. A rag carpet + was found that answered very well to cut up into rugs to lay on + the floor. The carpenter made a ladder by which to climb to the + upper deck. Then there was rope and an anchor, the latter a + piece of an old mowing machine; a rowboat, which Jane rented, + and heavy green shades at the windows so that they should have + greater seclusion; also a cask to hold drinking water.</p> + + <p>When the girls finished their work that night Crazy Jane + McCarthy had spent quite a sum of money, but the equipment for + the "Red Rover" was as nearly complete as they were able to + make it. Just before sunset they went out to watch Miss Elting + paint the name on the side of the boat. In large, neat letters + she painted the name in white. The letters stood out in bold + relief against the brilliant red of the boat.</p> + + <p>"I propose three cheers for the artist," cried Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Wait a minute," called Tommy.</p> + + <p>"Well, what is it?" demanded Margery.</p> + + <p>"The job ith not finithhed yet. Mith Elting hathn't painted + the name on the other thide."</p> + + <p>"That is true, but to do so I should have to stand in the + water," laughed the guardian.</p> + + <p>"If you must paint the other side, of course we can turn the + boat around," said Harriet. "I think a name on one side will + answer our purpose for the present. Later on we can finish the + job, if we think best."</p> + + <p>"Yes," agreed Jane. "We've done enough for the present. + Don't forget that we've got to settle the house in the morning. + I want you all to think hard to-night, to see if we have + forgotten anything."</p> + + <p>"The only thing we have forgotten is our dinner. We haven't + had a bite to eat since morning," Margery Brown reminded her + friends.</p> + + <p>"Margery can't think of anything but thomething to eat," + laughed Tommy. "You mutht learn to eat atmothphere when you're + hungry. That ith the way I do."</p> + + <p>"I fear you will never grow fat on that sort of diet," + laughed the guardian.</p> + + <p>"I don't want to get fat, like Buthter," replied Tommy + scornfully.</p> + + <p>In the meantime Harriet and Jane had drawn away from the + others and were engaged in a whispered conversation. Then the + two girls got into the rowboat dragged the houseboat out into + the lake, a few rods, and anchored it. They did not explain + their action. The other girls laughed at them, and Miss Elting + questioned them with her eyes but said nothing. She knew the + two girls had some good reason for anchoring the "Red Rover" a + little distance from the shore.</p> + + <p>Early on the following morning, Jane and Harriet were out, + loading the automobile with the supplies that had been + delivered at the hotel the previous night. The car was piled + high with bundles of various shapes and sizes. There was room + for Jane and Harriet in front, but none for their companions + elsewhere.</p> + + <p>"We will go down to the dock with the stuff," explained + Harriet, "then come back in time to take breakfast with you + girls. We shan't try to put the supplies on board. We'll just + dump them on the pier."</p> + + <p>"You can put them on the boat if you want to. I don't care," + answered Grace.</p> + + <p>"Tommy is trying to get out of working to-day," scoffed + Margery.</p> + + <p>"I'm not," protested the little lisping girl indignantly. + "If I were ath fat ath you, I might. I'll work after + breakfatht, but I won't work before breakfatht."</p> + + <p>"Nobody wants you to," flung back Jane, as she started her + car ahead. "We'll do all the before-breakfast work, and we'll + have the real appetites when we get to the food. You watch + us."</p> + + <p>They watched her skid around a sharp corner and heard her + car for some few moments thereafter, but that was all. They + were too well used to Crazy Jane McCarthy, by this time, to be + surprised at anything she might do or say.</p> + + <p>The drive to Johnson's dock was a short one. The two girls + made it in a few moments. As they turned into the street that + led down to the river they opened their eyes a little wider, + but neither spoke. Nor was there a word said until they had + driven out on the pier and halted the car. Then both girls + burst out in exclamations of amazement at the same instant.</p> + + <p>That which they discovered filled the hearts of the + Meadow-Brook Girls with alarm. The "Red Rover" was nowhere in + sight. The shore end of the rope, with which it had been + secured to the dock when they anchored it out in the lake, was + still securely tied to the string piece at the outer side of + the dock.</p> + + <p>"What is it, darlin'?" questioned Jane, with eyes wide and + wondering.</p> + + <p>"It looks to me very much as though our 'Red Rover' were at + the bottom of the lake, Jane. Oh, what shall we do if she has + sunk? Something has been going on here. Something occurred the + first day we were here, to excite my suspicion. And now this + strange thing has happened. There's the rowboat. Let's go out + and look around. Oh, this is too bad, too bad!"</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_II'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER II</h2> + + <h3>CRAZY JANE MAKES A DISCOVERY</h3><br> + + + <p>"Wait!"</p> + + <p>Jane sprang forward, and grasping the rope, lifted it from + the water and began hauling in on it. She uttered a shout of + joy.</p> + + <p>"There's no 'Red Rover' on the other end of this rope, + Harriet," she cried.</p> + + <p>"Then it has broken away and sunk," answered Harriet + gloomily. "Let's get into the rowboat and go out yonder."</p> + + <p>"In a minute. I want to see what is at the other end of this + rope, Harriet, dear. There's nothing like beginning at the + right end. This is the right end; after we get the rope in we + will move on to the other end. We may have to dive, but you and + I know how to do that, don't we darlin'?"</p> + + <p>Harriet nodded. The long rope came in dripping, so cold to + the touch as to make Jane's fingers numb.</p> + + <p>"There!" exclaimed Jane, slamming the rope down on the + wharf. "There's the old thing. Didn't I tell you there was no + 'Red Rover' on the end of it."</p> + + <p>"Then we had better take to the rowboat. I don't understand + this at all," said Harriet, in a troubled voice.</p> + + <p>"Just a minute, Harriet. Will you look at this and tell Jane + McCarthy the meaning of it?" She extended the end of the rope + toward Harriet. The latter took it, permitting the dripping + rope to lie across the palm of one hand for a minute. Harriet + glanced up at her companion with troubled eyes.</p> + + <p>"Do you know what has been done to it?" asked Harriet.</p> + + <p>"I think so," nodded Jane.</p> + + <p>"The rope has been cut," reflected Harriet.</p> + + <p>"It has," agreed Jane.</p> + + <p>"But, who could have done such a thing?" Harriet + wondered.</p> + + <p>"If I knew, I'd make him suffer for this piece of work," + retorted Jane.</p> + + <p>"I don't know; I can't even think," answered Harriet + solemnly. "What do you suppose has become of the boat, + Jane?"</p> + + <p>"Goodness knows," replied Jane.</p> + + <p>"I'm going to search the lake." Harriet ran around the end + of the pier, where, shoving off the rowboat, she leaped in. + Jane followed her. "I'm going to the west. The wind is blowing + that way."</p> + + <p>Jane McCarthy nodded understandingly. Harriet was rowing, + Jane sitting in the stern of the boat.</p> + + <p>"Watch the shore, Jane. I will do the rowing. I am going to + tell you what I discovered that day we first went aboard the + houseboat. I put my hand on the stove quite by accident that + morning. The stove was so hot that it burned my hand."</p> + + <p>"You don't say?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. Now explain how that stove happened to be hot," + continued Harriet.</p> + + <p>"That's easy. Somebody had had a fire in it," nodded + Jane.</p> + + <p>"Exactly. And not long before we went aboard. Then there + were bread crumbs on the floor. Jane, some person had been + living on that boat. You remember how anxious Dee Dickinson was + that we should not go to the boat until he had first been + there?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, but what has that to do with the cutting of the rope, + last night, and losing the boat?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know. That the two puzzles have some connection I + am positive. What we wish most, just now, is to find the 'Red + Rover.'"</p> + + <p>"There's something red on the shore; it looks like a fire!" + cried Jane, pointing excitedly. "Oh, if it should be the + boat."</p> + + <p>Harriet ceased rowing and quickly turned her head over her + right shoulder. She gazed, at first half startled, then uttered + a cry of delight.</p> + + <p>"It's the 'Red Rover.' Don't you see? Hurrah! We've found + the boat. It's the sun shining on those red sides that made it + look like a fire."</p> + + <p>Harriet swung the prow of the boat and began rowing + shoreward with all her might. After a few minutes of rowing she + drove the boat in alongside of the "Red Rover," then leaped out + on the shore. The unknown miscreant having cut her from her + moorings the houseboat had drifted down the lake. She had + stranded among a forest of rushes, the bottom of the boat being + hard and fast on the gravel.</p> + + <p>The girls breathless with excitement, climbed aboard. The + after-half of the house floor was under water. There were fully + two feet of water in the stern. In the after cockpit were + several bushels of sand and gravel that had been thrown up by + the wind and waves during the night.</p> + + <p>"Oh, the villains, to do a thing like this!" raged Jane. She + started to run aft for a pail but losing her footing on the + slippery floor she went sprawling and splashing into the water. + Jane scrambled up, wet from head to feet.</p> + + <p>"Oh, me! Oh my! What a mess!"</p> + + <p>Harriet leaned against the side of the cabin screaming with + laughter. Jane looked at her an instant, then, joined in the + merriment.</p> + + <p>"You are a sight!" gasped Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Why shouldn't I be? I've been in the water? Are we going to + stand here and laugh all the morning, or are we going to get + busy?"</p> + + <p>For answer Harriet Burrell picked up a pail and began + bailing out the cockpit. Jane, dripping, took up another pail + and together the girls worked feverishly. There were several + barrels of water in the cockpit, so their backs were aching by + the time they had finished bailing out the water. The stern of + the boat now floated clear, but the forward end was hard and + fast on the ground.</p> + + <p>"The next thing is to get the boat off the gravel," + announced Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Maybe we can hitch the rowboat on and drag the 'Red Rover' + off," suggested Jane.</p> + + <p>Harriet shook her head.</p> + + <p>"It won't work. We shall have to drag it off by main force. + You can't be any wetter, and I'm not afraid of a little water. + Let's get outside the boat and see what we can do."</p> + + <p>A few seconds later as they took hold and directed their + strength to the task of moving the heavy boat, Harriet's feet + slipped from under her. She fell over into the water, coming up + coughing, the water streaming from her hair and shoulders, and + falling into the lake in a shower. Jane screamed with delight. + "You're wet all right, now! No mistake about that," jeered + Crazy Jane. "And what have we done? Moved the old tub three + quarters of an inch. At this rate we'll have her afloat about + supper time. I wish I had my car hitched to it. I'd drag the + old thing out so fast it would make her dizzy."</p> + + <p>Harriet had grasped the edge of the boat, tugging with all + her might. Jane dashed around to the other side, adding her + strength to the task. The boat gave way with such suddenness + that both girls fell into the lake. But they did not care. They + could get no wetter. Therefore they laughed and joked over + their bedraggled condition. The "Red Rover" floated clear of + the rushes.</p> + + <p>"Do the best you can. I'll get the rowboat," cried Harriet, + splashing toward the shore. Her clothes were so heavy with + water that they impeded her movements. She shoved the rowboat + out, and, leaping in, rowed it out into the lake with strong + sweeps of the oars. In a few moments she was alongside.</p> + + <p>"The rope is too short. What shall we do?" called Jane.</p> + + <p>"There is a rope attached to this boat. I think it will be + long enough for towing. Wait, I'll toss it to you. Make it + fast. The boat is heavy and we are going to have a hard pull, + but I don't dare leave it here until we can get help."</p> + + <p>Jane waded over to the rowboat for the rope. She made it + fast; then, getting behind the houseboat, she pushed while + Harriet rowed. The "Red Rover" started but slowly. It was all + the two girls could do to get it in motion. Then when, finally, + they had gotten under way with it, Jane was obliged to wade out + in water nearly to her neck to reach the rowboat. She nearly + upset it in getting aboard. Two pairs of oars, instead of one, + were now bent to the work of towing the houseboat. The boat + went broadside to the waves, nearly pulling them overboard. + They saw that it would be impossible to tow it to the Johnson + dock in this fashion.</p> + + <p>"One of us must row and the other steer," declared + Harriet.</p> + + <p>"I'll do the rowing. You've had your share," cried Jane. + "Wait, I'll pull you alongside."</p> + + <p>"No. You must keep the oars going, or the big boat will + drift back into shallow water again. I'll get back there all + right." Harriet unshipped her oars and stood up in the boat. + She took a clean, curving dive into the lake. Jane shouted + delightedly.</p> + + <p>"What a beauty!"</p> + + <p>Harriet came up, shaking her head to free it from water, + then struck out for the houseboat. Getting aboard, weighted + down by her clothes as she was, was not an easy task. Finally, + however, the girl managed to get one foot over the edge. She + clung there for a moment breathing heavily, then slowly climbed + aboard.</p> + + <p>"Hur-r-r-ro-o-o-o!" wailed Jane. "They can't stop a + Meadow-Brook Girl with fire or water."</p> + + <p>"Now pull," shouted Harriet, "I'll change places with you + when you get tired."</p> + + <p>"I'll rest when I get tired," was the very practical reply + of Crazy Jane McCarthy.</p> + + <p>Harriet took the tiller and straightened out the scow's + course, though she discovered that the old boat was a most + unmanageable craft. It simply would not keep on any one course + for more than thirty seconds at a time. Jane was shouting her + directions, making sarcastic remarks about Harriet's steering, + but the latter merely smiled. She knew she was doing the best + she could, and that was all any one could do. Jane was making + but slow headway. They had not yet rounded the point that hid + the Johnson dock from view. Her strokes became uneven, and + jerky. All at once the rope broke. Crazy Jane McCarthy landed + in the bottom of the rowboat.</p> + + <p>"Save me," she screamed.</p> + + <p>Harriet, who could not see the small boat, the deck house + being in the way, continued on her course, smiling + good-naturedly at Jane's noisy objections. But all at once a + crash and a yell startled Harriet. She threw the tiller over + and leaned far out. The rowboat was bottom-side-up, with Crazy + Jane McCarthy struggling in the water. Her mouth was too full + of water, just at that moment, to allow her to raise an outcry. + The momentum of the houseboat carried it alongside the + overturned rowboat, Harriet leaned over and grasped one of her + companion's arms.</p> + + <p>"Why, Jane! You shouldn't have stopped rowing to go in for a + swim."</p> + + <p>"Go in for a swim!" exploded Jane. "And didn't you run me + down. Look at the boat, will you! Now, what are we going to do, + will you tell me?"</p> + + <p>"The first thing is to get you on board. After that I don't + know."</p> + + <p>Crazy Jane was dragged aboard the "Red Rover." She lay + clinging to the gunwale, laughing immoderately.</p> + + <p>"It's a fine start we are having, darling isn't it, + now!"</p> + + <p>"A wet one," amended Harriet. "See! The rowboat is drifting + ashore. You stay on board. I'm going after it. I'm not tired. + Keep the houseboat away from the shore, if you can."</p> + + <p>Harriet sprang into the water, swimming leisurely shoreward. + Reaching the rowboat, she took hold of and clung to it, + drifting ashore with it. The houseboat also was coming in. Jane + was shouting to her companion to hurry. Harriet was doing the + best she could under the circumstances, struggling with all her + strength to right the rowboat. By the time she had succeeded in + doing so, the "Red Rover" was fairly on top of her.</p> + + <p>"Steer out!" cried Harriet warningly.</p> + + <p>"I can't steer in or out," flung back Jane.</p> + + <p>Harriet began tugging at the rowboat to get it out of the + way of the oncoming houseboat. The former had grounded in the + shallow water. The houseboat caught the stranded rowboat, + turned it over and slowly ground it under its prow, accompanied + by the sound of crushing planks. Harriet was caught and thrown + down, disappearing under the bow of the "Red Rover."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_III'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER III</h2> + + <h3>SETTING UP HOUSEKEEPING</h3><br> + + + <p>Jane, receiving no answer to her calls, ran up on top of the + house. A quick glance about showed her that Harriet was nowhere + in sight. Jane did not dare to dive, knowing that the water was + shallow. She jumped, feet first, instead, landing in the + shallow water with great force.</p> + + <p>"She's under there!" cried the girl, staggering toward the + bow of the houseboat. Putting her shoulders against it she + shoved the heavy boat back a little. Harriet Burrell came to + the surface, then made a feeble attempt to swim. Jane picked + her up and carried her ashore; or, rather, dragged her there, + for, impeded by the water, Jane found Harriet too heavy a + burden.</p> + + <p>Harriet was gasping. She had held her breath until she could + hold it no longer. The result was that she had swallowed + considerable water. Crazy Jane was working over her. It was but + a few minutes before Harriet Burrell had wholly recovered from + the effects of the recent catastrophe. She was considerably + bruised and was rendered nervous by her trying experience.</p> + + <p>"Is—is the small boat damaged?" she gasped.</p> + + <p>"Never mind the small boat. There are more boats where that + came from," answered Jane. "You lie down here while I go for + another boat. Shall I get some one to help us?"</p> + + <p>Harriet shook her head.</p> + + <p>"If we are going to be fresh water sailors we must learn to + do things for ourselves."</p> + + <p>"That's what I say," agreed Jane, nodding with great + emphasis. "But are you sure you are all right?"</p> + + <p>"I'm awfully wet, Jane."</p> + + <p>"That's nothing. We'll be wet many a time before we get + through with this cruise."</p> + + <p>"We shall have to get started first," answered Harriet, + chuckling. "Run along for another boat. I'll try to keep the + 'Red Rover' off the shore while you are gone. Hurry!"</p> + + <p>Jane ran toward the landing, still some distance away. There + were several boats tied up there. She helped herself to one and + rowed back with all speed. She espied Harriet out in the lake + with the houseboat, where the latter had succeeded in pushing + it and was doing her best to keep the craft from drifting back + to the shore. Jane brought a rope with her that she had taken + from a third boat. This she quickly made fast to the scow, then + began pulling it out into the lake. The wind had died out and + the rowing was found to be much easier, though of course, the + "Red Rover" was as heavy and cumbersome as before.</p> + + <p>"We'll make it," cried Jane encouragingly.</p> + + <p>It was a full half hour later when Harriet steered the + houseboat alongside the pier. The girls made fast, then threw + themselves down on the dock, utterly exhausted from their + efforts.</p> + + <p>In the meantime, Miss Elting and the other girls, becoming + worried over the long absence of Crazy Jane and Harriet, had + left the hotel, starting out for Johnson's dock on foot. They + found Harriet and Jane making the boat more secure, preparatory + to leaving for the hotel.</p> + + <p>"Why, girls, whatever is the matter? You are wet through! Go + up to the hotel and get into dry clothes at once. You will both + catch cold. You are too late for breakfast, too. What happened + to you?" exclaimed Miss Elting. "You are certainly bedraggled + looking specimens."</p> + + <p>Harriet told the guardian of their search for the "Red + Rover." Miss Elting frowned. The message from her brother was + still in her pocket. She recalled the peculiar actions of Dee + Dickinson, wondering if perchance he had anything to do with + the casting adrift of their houseboat, Harriet had not told the + guardian of having found a hot stove on the occasion of their + first visit to their summer home. That, perhaps, might have + enlightened the guardian.</p> + + <p>Now that Miss Elting and the other girls were there to + unload the automobile, Jane and Harriet turned to go.</p> + + <p>"We will begin to settle while you girls go to town for + breakfast," called the guardian after them.</p> + + <p>"You will have to wait a while until the rear end of the + boat dries out," returned Harriet. "I don't think it will take + long. But, in the meantime, there are the windows and the walls + that need fixing."</p> + + <p>The other girls and the guardian fell to work while Jane and + Harriet were at breakfast, and dainty chintz curtains were + draped over each window. There were green shades hung over the + windows also, but these, during the day, were to be rolled up + out of sight.</p> + + <p>Jane and Harriet changed their wet clothing, ate breakfast + and returned early in the forenoon. With them they brought a + chart of the big lake that they had bought of a boat owner. + While in the village Jane also had paid for the damaged rowboat + and arranged for another, as it would be necessary to have a + rowboat with them at all times. A new anchor, this time a real + one, was purchased and piled into the automobile.</p> + + <p>The girls worked all that day setting their cabin to rights. + It was to them a delightful task, and late in the afternoon the + cabin of the "Red Rover" was as homelike a place as one could + wish. Covers had been made for the folding cots, so that by day + they offered attractive lounging places. The upper deck had + some rough seats, made by the carpenter who had put up the + awning. Then there were boxes for plants, in case the girls + should wish to have flowers. But it was the interior of the + cabin that was the real delight. The white walls and green + trimmings gave it a fresh, cool appearance. One could scarcely + have believed this to be the lumbering, dirty, old fishing scow + of a few days since. Bert Elting never would have recognized + the craft in its new dress.</p> + + <p>That night the Meadow-Brook Girls decided to have their + first meal on board. They also decided to clear away and set + sail before sitting down to the meal. Jane drove her car to + town, leaving it at a garage, after which she walked back to + the dock. She found the "Red Rover" ready to sail. The girls + were discussing the question of where to go for an anchorage + for the night.</p> + + <p>"Is that all?" called Jane. "Leave it to the boat. She'll + find a place for herself. Say, I'm not going to try to tow that + house out of here with all these boats about."</p> + + <p>There were launches and steamers coming in constantly. The + waters in that vicinity were dotted with rowboats and small + skiffs as well. Jane did not like the idea of dragging out the + "Red Rover" through that gathering of craft. Neither did + Harriet Burrell. Jane was looking over the launches and their + occupants as they came up to the dock either to take on or + discharge passengers. All at once she pounced upon two boys, + who had left a third boy on the dock and bade him good-bye.</p> + + <p>"Will you give us a tow?" demanded Jane.</p> + + <p>"Where do you want to go?" answered one of the lads, + touching his cap.</p> + + <p>"Which way are you going?"</p> + + <p>"Down the lake."</p> + + <p>"That's the way we are going. Say, which way is down the + lake?" she asked Harriet in a whisper. The latter indicated the + direction by a wave of the hand.</p> + + <p>"We'll give you a rope and tell you when you are to drop + us," added Jane.</p> + + <p>The boys regarded the houseboat rather dubiously. They did + not know whether or not their little launch would be able to + tow it. Jane and Harriet explained to their companions that + they were to have a tow. Then the two girls made fast the line, + carrying the latter to the motor boat, after which they cast + off from the pier.</p> + + <p>The Meadow-Brook Girls uttered a cheer, as the "Red Rover" + slowly drifted sideways clear of the dock. The dock was + thronged with people, all of whom were now observing the + houseboat. The latter's upper deck held the girls, with the + exception of Jane, who was at the helm to steer as soon as + their craft had been turned about and headed in the right + direction. The houseboat came about slowly; then, as the motor + boat chugged away the line grew taut and the "Red Rover" began + to move.</p> + + <p>"You give me steering directions, Harriet," cried Jane.</p> + + <p>"I will wave to you. That will be better than shouting."</p> + + <p>"Whatever you say."</p> + + <p>"Look out!"</p> + + <p>A heavy shock, following Harriet's warning, caused Jane to + shove the tiller hard over. The girls were piled in a heap on + the upper deck and it seemed as though the front part of the + houseboat must have been crushed.</p> + + <p>Loud, threatening voices forward brought Crazy Jane to the + upper deck instantly. Then she saw what had occurred. The "Red + Rover" had taken a sudden dive to the left, colliding with an + anchored sailboat.</p> + + <p>"If you don't know how to steer, keep off the lake!" raged + the owner, shaking both fists at the red terror.</p> + + <p>"If you don't know how to keep out of the way, then you + ought to get pushed off the lake," flung back Jane McCarthy + defiantly.</p> + + <p>Harriet laid a hand on her arm.</p> + + <p>"Don't argue with them, Jane. It isn't well-bred to do a + thing like that."</p> + + <p>The launch was sputtering away trying to extricate the "Red + Rover" from its position, which, by this time, was broadside + against the sailboat. The "Red Rover" was rising and falling, + each time rubbing off some red paint onto the white sides of + the yacht. With each blotch of paint, so acquired, the anger of + the owner of the yacht increased. It was fortunate for the + Meadow-Brook Girls that they succeeded in getting away + promptly. Jane was getting more and more angry, and Harriet had + all she could do to restrain her companion.</p> + + <p>But their troubles were not yet ended. The "Red Rover" + plunged through the fleet, smash-into a sailboat here, nearly + sinking a rowboat there, grazing the side of a steamer, rubbing + off some more paint in the operation, and continuing her voyage + of destruction by smashing in the gunwale of a launch that was + unfortunate enough to be anchored within range of the "Red + Rover's" tow line. Jane's steering was anything but skilful. + She steered too much, not giving the boat half a chance to + respond to one turn of the tiller, before she turned it the + other way. But Harriet Burrell offered no suggestions. At + least, she remained silent until after the "Red Rover" had + upset a canoe, spilling a young man and two girls into the + lake. It was then that Harriet sprang down and casting off the + rowboat pulled to their rescue. It was well that she did so, + for neither of the girls could swim.</p> + + <p>The motor boat that was towing the "Red Rover" had stopped + instantly but the "Red Rover" was still drifting, managing to + collide with two more small boats before finally coming to a + stop. In the meantime, Harriet had hauled the dripping girls + aboard her rowboat, and assisted the young man to right his + canoe. The girls refused to get into it again.</p> + + <p>"Bring the young ladies aboard and let us give them some dry + clothes," called Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"They wish to be put ashore here," answered Harriet.</p> + + <p>"We are very sorry that we have caused you all this trouble. + Our boat doesn't seem to steer well. I don't know what the + trouble is," continued the guardian.</p> + + <p>The two girls were very courteous about the matter. They + assured Miss Elting and Harriet that they knew the accident had + been unavoidable, and that it had been more their fault than + the "Red Rover's." The young man, however, was inclined to + grumble. Harriet put the wet girls ashore, where they were + followed by their companion. The "Red Rover" then moved on, + following a zig-zag course, narrowly missing running into other + boats, until finally one of the lads in the motor boat put his + hands to his lips and shouted:</p> + + <p>"How much farther are you folks going?"</p> + + <p>Harriet consulted with Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"If you will be good enough to tow us into that cove just + ahead, we shall be very much obliged," answered Harriet. The + motor boat was instantly headed toward the cove. Harriet + chuckled. "They are eager to be rid of us, and I don't blame + them at all."</p> + + <p>"They look like nice boys. I think I will invite them to + come aboard," decided the guardian. Harriet nodded her + approval. When, finally, the houseboat had been dragged in, + Harriet shouted to the boys to cast off. It was then that Miss + Elting asked them to come aboard. The boy at the wheel said + they would come some other time, that they were obliged to get + back to their camp farther down the lake. They would accept no + pay for their towing and chugged away, waving their hands, + leaving a snowy wake behind them.</p> + + <p>Harriet had already climbed down, and, with a long string, + at the end of which had been tied the piece of broken poker + from the old stove, was taking sounding to get the depth of + water.</p> + + <p>"Eight feet. That's deep enough. Jane! Come help me put over + the anchor, please," she called.</p> + + <p>The anchor went over with a splash, after which the rope was + tied to a heavy hard wood cleat that the carpenter had secured + to the forward lower deck. The "Red Rover" drifted to the end + of its anchor rope, then swung to the gentle breeze that was + blowing.</p> + + <p>"Thank goodness we aren't at the bottom of the lake," + exclaimed Crazy Jane.</p> + + <p>"It's the other folks who have reason to be thankful," + answered Harriet smilingly. "Now let's get supper. We have a + lot to do, and even more to discuss."</p> + + <p>"Had we not better work in closer to shore?" questioned the + guardian, regarding the wooded cove critically.</p> + + <p>"No, I think not. I have my reasons for wanting to be away + from the shore," answered Harriet.</p> + + <p>It would have perhaps been better had they chosen some other + location for their anchorage, for the night in the cove was to + be a trying one for the Meadow-Brook Girls and another of those + mysterious happenings that had so disturbed them was to + overtake them at the very beginning of the cruise of the "Red + Rover."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_IV'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER IV</h2> + + <h3>A SUDDEN AWAKENING</h3><br> + + + <p>"There! I knew we had forgotten something."</p> + + <p>"What have we forgotten, Jane?"</p> + + <p>"An ice box, Miss Elting. How are we to keep our food + without an ice box?"</p> + + <p>"But, my dear, what would be the good of an ice box without + ice?"</p> + + <p>"That's so. I hadn't thought of that. Where would we get our + ice?"</p> + + <p>"That ith eathy," piped Tommy. "Get your ithe out of the + lake, of courthe. I never did thee thuch thtupid people. Did + you thuppothe they got ithe on land? That it grew in the + fieldth?"</p> + + <p>"No, darlin'. We didn't suppose anything of the sort. But + knowing so much, please tell us how we are to get ice from the + lake in the good old summer time? Answer me that question, will + you now?"</p> + + <p>"That ith tho," reflected Tommy. "Really, I hadn't thought + of it that way. I gueth I wath too previouth."</p> + + <p>"Grace!" rebuked Miss Elting, "I am amazed at your using + such expressions. You really must be more careful of your + language."</p> + + <p>"Yeth; I will."</p> + + <p>"Until the next time," muttered Harriet, an amused smile + hovering about the corners of her mouth. Harriet was busily + engaged in getting supper. "Bring me a pail of water, please," + she called. "We must put the water on to heat so that we can + wash dishes directly after supper. Dishes mustn't go unwashed + on board the 'Red Rover,' no matter whatever else may be + neglected."</p> + + <p>Jane was setting the table. The dishes that they had + purchased were not expensive. Rather were they strong and + serviceable, but even at this, the table looked very pretty. + Miss Elting had gathered a bunch of wild flowers and these had + been placed in a pitcher and stood in the centre of the table. + Of course the chairs were camp stools. In this instance they + were provided with backs, which made them quite comfortable. + Soon beefsteak was broiling over the fire, potatoes were frying + in the pan and the tantalizing fragrance of coffee filled the + air.</p> + + <p>"Bring the drinking water, Tommy. And look out that you + don't fall with it. We can't afford to buy dishes every day. + Will you be careful?"</p> + + <p>"Yeth; I'll be careful."</p> + + <p>"Hurry back. Supper will be on the table by the time you get + below again."</p> + + <p>Tommy, pitcher in hand, ran up the ladder to the deck above, + Harriet and Miss Elting, in the meantime, putting the food on + the table.</p> + + <p>"Tom-m-m-y-y-y!" called Jane after some minutes had elapsed. + "The little girl has gone to sleep up there, I'll wager."</p> + + <p>A scream, followed by a loud splash, startled the passengers + on board the "Red Rover." They rushed for the door.</p> + + <p>"Tommy's fallen overboard!" yelled Harriet.</p> + + <p>Beaching the lower deck they saw one little white hand + holding aloft a pitcher, and lower down, scarcely discernible, + a bit of tow hair and a freckled nose.</p> + + <p>"Thave me!" wailed Tommy.</p> + + <p>"We ought to leave you," flung back Margery. "What's the + matter? Can't you swim?"</p> + + <p>"Yeth. But the pitcher can't."</p> + + <p>Knowing that Tommy could take care of herself in the water, + no one went overboard to her rescue. Harriet flung out a coil + of rope.</p> + + <p>"Grab it!" she commanded. Tommy needed no second invitation + to do so. She grasped the rope with one hand, still clinging to + the pitcher with the other and holding it above the water. In + this position Harriet drew her in. The pitcher was rescued + before they helped the little girl to the deck.</p> + + <p>"Ith thupper ready?" demanded Tommy, after getting + aboard.</p> + + <p>"Yes, it is and it's getting cold," answered Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Then I gueth I'll thit down and eat."</p> + + <p>"Not until you get off those wet clothes," answered Jane. + "How did you come to fall overboard?"</p> + + <p>"I—I wath trying to walk on the railing," explained + the girl lamely. "I thtubbed my toe and fell in."</p> + + <p>"Oh, help!" moaned Margery. Tommy shot a threatening look at + her.</p> + + <p>"I can thwim. Buthter ith too fat to thwim." With that + parting shot, Tommy hastened inside the cabin and proceeded to + change her wet clothing for dry garments. The other girls sat + down to their supper, without waiting for her.</p> + + <p>None of them, ever had eaten a meal under quite such novel + conditions. Through the open door at one end they could see the + lake, touched with the gorgeous red and gold of the setting + sun. A pleasant breeze was drifting through the cabin from door + and window, while the slight motion of the boat rather added to + than took from the keen enjoyment of the hour.</p> + + <p>"I have been wondering what we shall do in case the water + gets really rough?" said Jane.</p> + + <p>"We shall have to put something on the table to keep the + dishes from sliding off," replied Harriet.</p> + + <p>"That would be like an ocean steamer. On the tables there + they have racks, strips running the full length of the + table—usually brass—and others standing on edge at + right angles to them. This leaves squares about the size of a + plate and the strips keep the dishes from sliding off the + table. They are called racks by the passengers. Among sailors + they are known as 'fiddles,'" explained the guardian.</p> + + <p>"Yeth, but the thoup will thpill over jutht the thame," + observed Tommy from the cabin.</p> + + <p>"Your soup will not, for I'm going to eat it," jeered + Margery.</p> + + <p>Tommy hurried forth, fastening her collar as she walked. She + was taking no chances of losing her supper.</p> + + <p>"Speaking of food," reflected Harriet. "Why can't we take + our meats and other perishable things and put them in a pail + which we can weight down until it sinks? That will keep the + food cool."</p> + + <p>"Yes. But what will you do with it when the boat is moving?" + asked the guardian.</p> + + <p>"If I have to row the small boat, and pull the 'Red Rover,' + it won't move fast enough to harm the pail," spoke up Jane. "Do + we have to drag this tub all over the lake?"</p> + + <p>"I am afraid we shall have to do so when we wish to + move."</p> + + <p>"Then it's my own self for a tug," declared Crazy Jane. "I + shall go out to-morrow looking for a good stout steam tug. I + wonder if there is such a thing in this neighborhood?"</p> + + <p>"Maybe they have one at the farm houthe up there on the + hill," suggested Tommy. But not a smile did her observation + draw from her companions.</p> + + <p>"No, Jane. We aren't going to let you spend any more money + for us. We are out to rough it, and we are going to do so. We + must get along by ourselves," announced Miss Elting. "Of course + it was different when those young men towed us out, and now and + then we may accept a tow. The way to do will be to make short + journeys, not to try to take long trips. Moving by easy stages + we should be able to make the complete circuit of the lake + before the vacation is ended."</p> + + <p>"How long is the lake?" questioned Harriet.</p> + + <p>"About thirty miles in a straight line, I believe."</p> + + <p>"Thirty miles," groaned Crazy Jane.</p> + + <p>"Oh, help!" moaned Margery.</p> + + <p>"Thave uth!" lisped Grace.</p> + + <p>"I thought you girls wanted recreation and exercise," + laughed the guardian.</p> + + <p>"Why, of course we do, Miss Elting," declared Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Of course," agreed Jane, nodding. "But dragging a house all + around a thirty-mile lake is neither exercise nor recreation. + It's hard labor. If you don't think so just get out and drag us + around this cove once—<i>Once!</i>"</p> + + <p>"I have a plan," announced Harriet.</p> + + <p>"It's a good one, if Harriet Burrell thought it out," + returned Miss Elting smilingly. "What is your plan, + Harriet?"</p> + + <p>"Some of you may not like the idea, but it is an excellent + one, I am sure. This is my idea. When we decide to cross the + lake, if we do, I would suggest waiting until some day when the + wind is blowing directly across. Then we can tow the 'Red + Rover' out with the rowboat until the wind catches us. The + rower should then get aboard the houseboat, after which the + wind will carry us all the way across the lake. How do you like + it?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, thave me!" piped Tommy.</p> + + <p>"Yes. You need some one to save you about once every five + minutes I'm thinking, Tommy Thompson. Now, if Crazy Jane had + thought out such a plan, no one would have been surprised. But + for Harriet Burrell to do so—oh, my!" exclaimed Jane.</p> + + <p>"I do not think the plan feasible," declared Miss Elting. "I + am not saying that it would not work, but I don't believe I + care to trust myself to drift across the lake in a gale. No, + thank you. We will keep to the shore. Remember, we are on the + water, Harriet."</p> + + <p>"Yes. And it isn't so long ago since we were in it," nodded + Jane. "Tommy was the last to be in it. Please pass the + potatoes. This life at sea does sharpen one's appetite. It + wouldn't do for me to go to sea really. I'd get so hungry + between meals that I'd gnaw the masts off short."</p> + + <p>"I really can't eat another mouthful!" exclaimed Tommy. "I + gueth I'll go up on deck and walk thome."</p> + + <p>"And I guess you will stay right here and wash the dishes + with me," commanded Margery Brown. "Do you think I am going to + wash them alone, while you promenade on deck? Not I!"</p> + + <p>"I had forgotten about the dithheth. But I've got a plan + about that. You jutht put the dithheth in a bag and thouthe + them up and down in the lake. Then you put them on deck till + they dry off. Now, ithn't that a plan? That ith a better plan + than Harriet thaid jutht now."</p> + + <p>"I feel sorry for your house if you ever own one," laughed + Harriet, beginning to clear off the table.</p> + + <p>"Yeth tho do I. But I feel more thorry for the folkth who + have to live with me."</p> + + <p>"I propose that we all take a hand in doing the work," + suggested Harriet. "The evening is so fine that we should enjoy + it together. I'll clear off the table."</p> + + <p>"And I'll brush it," offered Jane. "Then I'll sweep the + floor. Say, this is fine. All one has to do with the rubbish is + just to drop it overboard. The fishes will come and clean it + up. It's easy to keep house on a houseboat. We're going to have + a fine time this summer. I feel it in my bones."</p> + + <p>The supper work was cleared away quickly. Jane filled the + hanging lamps, while Harriet trimmed and filled the lantern + that was to be put out as a night light so that other craft + should not run into them during the night.</p> + + <p>"All hands on deck!" commanded Harriet, after the last of + the work had been finished.</p> + + <p>"That reminds me. We must elect our officers," said Miss + Elting, after the girls had climbed to the pleasant upper deck. + "Whom shall we have for our captain?"</p> + + <p>"I gueth Harriet will make a good captain," suggested + Tommy.</p> + + <p>The girls agreed to this.</p> + + <p>"I suggest then, that Jane McCarthy be chief + officer—that is, the next in line to the + captain—with Margery as purser, Hazel as third officer, + and Tommy, what would you like to be?" asked Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"I gueth I'll be the pathenger," decided little Tommy + wisely.</p> + + <p>There was a chorus of protests at this.</p> + + <p>"You and I will be the fourth and fifth officers + respectively," announced the guardian.</p> + + <p>"What doeth the fourth offither do?"</p> + + <p>"Not much of anything."</p> + + <p>Tommy nodded approvingly.</p> + + <p>"Then I am that," she announced. "Harriet ith a good + captain. Harriet knowth thomething about everything."</p> + + <p>Harriet shook her head. She protested that she knew nothing + at all about any boat larger than a rowboat. To be the captain + of a scow, was something of a responsibility. She knew that she + would have to be captain in fact as well as in name, and that + the navigation and protection of the craft would be on the + shoulders of Jane McCarthy and herself.</p> + + <p>"There is one thing I do not know, Tommy," answered Harriet. + "I don't know how this captain is ever going to get along with + the crew she has. I fear she will have to ship a new crew. + Perhaps you'll be glad of that, eh, dears?"</p> + + <p>"Tommy would be willing if, as she already has said, she + could be the whole passenger list," chuckled Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>The girls joked and talked until the night had fallen. A few + faint rays of light filtered through the cabin windows and the + dim light from the anchor lantern that hung at the stern of the + boat was their only illumination.</p> + + <p>Harriet got up and walked to the bow of the boat, now + pointed outward. She sniffed the air.</p> + + <p>"Well, what is it, Captain?" inquired Jane.</p> + + <p>"Wind," answered Harriet. "The wind is freshening, and it's + blowing straight into the little cove here. The 'Red Rover' + will be straining at its leashes like an angry dog before + morning, unless the wind veers, which I hardly think will be + the case."</p> + + <p>"Hooray for Captain Burrell!" cried Crazy Jane.</p> + + <p>The sky was overcast and the wind, as Harriet had said, was + freshening rapidly. She went to the lower deck to test the + anchor rope. The anchor was holding firmly. The wind was now + blowing so strongly that the girls found little comfort in + sitting on the upper deck. All hands went below. With the front + cabin door closed the cabin was a comfortable and cosy place in + which to sit. But the cabin floor was acquiring an unpleasant + habit of rising and falling. Tommy's face, ordinarily pale, had + grown ghastly, but she pluckily kept her discomfort to herself. + As a matter of fact the little girl was suffering from a mild + attack of seasickness.</p> + + <p>"I—I gueth I'll go to bed," she stammered. "Will + thomebody pleathe take off my thhoeth? If I bend down I'll + thurely fall over on my nothe."</p> + + <p>There was a shout at this. Both Harriet and Jane knelt on + the floor to remove the shoes that Tommy feared to unbutton. + They assisted her into her cot, after which they arranged their + own, each girl preparing for bed behind a curtain that had been + strung across the cabin, thus making part of the kitchen a + dressing room. In the daytime the curtain was drawn back.</p> + + <p>Harriet was the last to retire. She sat up for an hour after + the others had retired, rather anxiously watching the weather + and the anchor rope, together with the behavior of the "Red + Rover." The latter was riding the swells finely and with much + less motion than might have been looked for in the fairly heavy + sea that was running into the cove. At last, well satisfied + that the boat would ride out the moderate blow, Harriet entered + the cabin and extinguishing the lamp prepared for bed, leaving + only the solitary anchor light outside to dispel the gloom.</p> + + <p>As the night went on, the seas grew with it. Great swells + were sweeping into the cove, and the "Red Rover" was at times + rolling heavily. Once in the night Harriet got up and staggered + out through the rear door, whence she made her way to the upper + deck. From there, with the spray dashing over her, she gazed + off over the water. The moon had come up, and she could see + fairly well; some light being furnished by it, though heavy + clouds intervened. White-capped waves dashed against the boat. + It was unusually rough for a lake of its size. She inhaled + deeply the strong, bracing air, until, discovering that she was + getting wet from the spray, the girl hurried below and crawled + into her cot, shivering a little. Then she fell into a deep + sleep, soothed by the rocking of the boat.</p> + + <p>Tommy was moaning in her sleep. The others appeared to be + sleeping soundly. It was late in the night when Harriet was + awakened by a terrific crash. It seemed to her as though + something had collided with the "Red Rover." Then came a second + crash, much louder than the first. The second was followed by a + sound of breaking woodwork. A draught of cold air smote her in + the face, then a huge volume of water swept into the cabin + overwhelming and half drowning the occupants.</p> + + <p>Cots were overturned, the oil stove went over with a crash, + and the table was hurled the length of the cabin, landing + bottom side up at the rear end of the cabin.</p> + + <p>A chorus of terrified, choking screams followed the second + crash, that, to their overwrought imaginations, seemed to have + lasted for hours.</p> + + <p>"Thave me! We're thinking!" wailed Tommy Thompson.</p> + + <p>"Harriet! What has happened?" cried Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"I—I don't know."</p> + + <p>The "Red Rover" lurched heavily to one side. The rush of + water that accompanied the lurch tumbled the Meadow-Brook Girls + to the lower side of the cabin. A volume of water rushed over + them, and the furnishings of the cabin were piled on top of + them; in some instances a crushing weight pinioned them to the + floor.</p> + + <p>The houseboat had sustained a severe blow, though as yet + they could not determine the nature of it. To make the + situation more terrifying the cabin was in utter darkness. For + a moment the voices of the Meadow-Brook Girls were stilled; + then a chorus of screams, more terrified than before, rose from + the lips of the frightened girls.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_V'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER V</h2> + + <h3>LAND HO!</h3><br> + + + <p>"Please—please keep quiet," cried Harriet, making + herself heard above the tumult. "Don't be frightened! We aren't + sinking, and we are not going to. Answer loudly when I call + your names, so that I may know each one of you is here."</p> + + <p>"Now," she continued after the frightened girls had answered + to their names. "We'll try to find out what happened. You see + that the boat has stopped pitching, and the side roll isn't as + pronounced as it was."</p> + + <p>"What'th the anthwer?" piped Tommy.</p> + + <p>"I don't know—yet," Harriet confessed. "But I'm going + to know."</p> + + <p>"The water is still coming in, and getting deeper," shivered + Margery.</p> + + <p>"Get out through the rear door," Harriet commanded. "One at + a time."</p> + + <p>"Which door is the rear one?" queried Crazy Jane. "All doors + look alike to me."</p> + + <p>"Move away from the direction that the water is coming + from," Harriet continued.</p> + + <p>Assisted by Jane McCarthy the girls obeyed Harriet's + directions. Tommy and Margery first, then Miss Elting and + Hazel. In the cockpit the water was not as deep, but Jane drove + them all to the upper deck.</p> + + <p>"The captain must go last, you know," laughed Harriet, as + she climbed up to join them.</p> + + <p>By this time the girls were shivering with cold. The kimonos + of washable crepe in which they had elected to sleep during the + cruise afforded them little warmth.</p> + + <p>"Get close together and keep each other warm," called Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>"What! Sit down and shiver here all night long?" shouted + Harriet. "No, indeed. We must do something or we shall lose our + boat."</p> + + <p>"Wha—at happened?" shivered Margery.</p> + + <p>"The waves smashed the front door in. That's all I know + about it now."</p> + + <p>"Oh, look!" screamed Hazel. "It's land!"</p> + + <p>"Land, ho!" cried Crazy Jane.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I know," replied Harriet calmly. "We are on shore. We + have been blown partly ashore. I saw that a moment after we + came out here. There is no danger to us, but there is to the + boat."</p> + + <p>"Did the anchor give way?" questioned the guardian, a sigh + of relief escaping her upon learning that the immediate danger + was over.</p> + + <p>"I don't know. Jane! I want you. We must go to the front of + the boat and see what can be done to stop the water from coming + in. Are you ready?"</p> + + <p>"All ready," called Jane. "Where away?"</p> + + <p>"Below there."</p> + + <p>"I want to go, too. I want to go down there and get thome + dry clotheth," wailed Tommy.</p> + + <p>"You'll look a long time on this boat before you'll find + anything dry," laughed Crazy Jane. "Get up and run. Sprint back + and forth along this slippery deck, and, if you don't fall down + and break your precious necks, you'll start your circulation + and get warm. Run for it!"</p> + + <p>"Jane's advice is excellent, girls. Join hands and run back + and forth, while Jane and Harriet see what can be done for us," + answered Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>Jane and Harriet climbed down the aft ladder and made their + way into the cabin. Everything was afloat there. It was with + difficulty that they made their way through and out to the + forward deck over which the waves were still dashing. Both + girls were knocked flat almost the instant they stepped out + into the rear cockpit. They were picked up an instant + afterwards, only to be hurled against the deck house by a + second wave. Neither girl screamed; for a moment or two they + were too nearly drowned to speak. The rear end of the boat + being driven up on the shore, the forward end lay several + inches lower. The lower deck in that part of the boat was + entirely under water.</p> + + <p>"What are we going to do about it?" gasped Jane finally.</p> + + <p>Harriet was groping about on the deck, her head under water + a good part of the time.</p> + + <p>"I've found it," she cried.</p> + + <p>"Found what?" demanded Miss McCarthy.</p> + + <p>"The cleats."</p> + + <p>"Well, what are they?"</p> + + <p>"Maybe our last hope. Climb up to the top. I'll tell you my + plan."</p> + + <p>Jane lost no time in getting up where the rest of the party + were dancing about the deck, trying their best to get warm, and + succeeding but poorly.</p> + + <p>"Harriet, don't you think we had better go ashore?" asked + Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"You will be little better off there. But wait. Yes, the + very thing. I was going to use that awning for something else. + It is the only dry thing on the boat. Come, Jane; we'll do the + best we can under the circumstances."</p> + + <p>Together the two girls got down the awning, which had once + served them as a tent. Assisted by Miss Elting they lugged it + ashore and placing it back far enough to be out of reach of the + water, smoothed it out on the ground. This would at least + furnish them with a place to sleep. By this time Tommy, Hazel + and Margery had made their way ashore.</p> + + <p>"How I wish we had some matches now! I'd build a fire. Jane, + do you think that box of matches could have kept dry through + all this?" questioned Harriet.</p> + + <p>"It wouldn't do you any good if it had. How are you going to + find it if it is there?"</p> + + <p>"That's so. Now, I think we had better take all the things + out of the cabin. Most of the stuff may be gone by morning. + Miss Elting, will you stay with the girls?" asked Harriet. + "Then they won't feel afraid. Besides we shall only be in each + other's way if more than two of us try to work in that cabin in + the dark. The first thing to be done is to try to stop the + water from beating in through that wrecked doorway. I have an + idea. Jane, see if you can find some rope. There should be some + on the upper deck."</p> + + <p>Jane McCarthy reported that there was no rope there. Harriet + decided to go on without it, believing that she knew a way to + check the flood. Calling Jane to assist her, the two girls + carried the dining table out to the upper deck. This they left + there for the moment.</p> + + <p>"Now hand out the cots," directed Harriet.</p> + + <p>As this was being done, Harriet worked standing in water + most of the time. She placed the cots on edge across the + doorway until three of them had been set in place. Directing + Jane to try to hold them in place, Harriet grasped the table. + This she braced against the cots. The table held them in + place.</p> + + <p>"Hurrah! We've done it. See if you can find some blankets in + there. One will do."</p> + + <p>After some searching about Jane announced that she had found + a heavy blanket. Acting under Harriet's directions Jane carried + the blanket to the upper deck and lowered it over the barricade + of cots, weighting it with heavy stones from the beach so that + the end would remain on the upper deck.</p> + + <p>Harriet was unable to get either to the upper deck or into + the boat, without danger of pulling down her barricade, so she + promptly jumped into the lake and waded ashore. She fell down + several times before reaching dry land, knocked over by waves + that overtook her and laid her low. She sat down on the beach + gasping.</p> + + <p>"Come over here and rest a moment, Harriet," urged the + guardian.</p> + + <p>"I am all right, thank you. I haven't time to think about + resting. I am going to try to get our belongings out of the + boat. We aren't so badly off as we might be."</p> + + <p>"If I had thome dry clotheth on I gueth I'd be all right," + observed a lisping voice from the darkness. "My kimono is + thoaking wet."</p> + + <p>"Now, Jane, I'm ready," finally announced Harriet. "Let's + get that stove out first of all. I fear it is ruined."</p> + + <p>"Set the girls at it with dry leaves. They can wipe it dry + and the exercise will do them good," suggested Jane + McCarthy.</p> + + <p>"Fine! Come!"</p> + + <p>The stove was carried out to the beach and stood up. Jane + and Harriet gathered leaves from weeds and bushes, together + with such dry grass as they were able to find in the darkness, + heaping their plunder on the canvas and directing the girls to + polish the stove, hoping thereby to keep it from rusting very + badly. The occupation did Tommy, Hazel and Margery good. They + almost forgot their troubles for the time being.</p> + + <p>The bedding and the clothing were next carried out and + spread on the ground to dry. This, too, gave the girls on shore + something to do. They wrung the water out of the bedding and + clothing as thoroughly as possible. The clothing was then hung + on nearby bushes.</p> + + <p>"I do not believe your clothing will be dry enough to wear + until after the sun shines on it," decided Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>The girls groaned dismally. They did not relish the idea of + going about in kimonos for the better part of the next + forenoon. Harriet and Jane paid little attention to their own + discomfort, however, for there were still many things to be + done. The cabin had held quite a stock of supplies. Cans of + provisions lay all about the floor. The two girls were unable + to gather up their supplies in the darkness. The water would + not damage the canned goods, so they decided to let these + remain where they were for the time being.</p> + + <p>"I'll tell you what!" said Harriet, after pondering over the + best course to follow. "Let's take pails and go to bailing. Of + course some water will still leak in around the bottom cot, but + we can bail out down to that point. The water must come out. We + might as well bail now as after daylight. We won't get any + wetter, and we don't mind lame backs, do we?"</p> + + <p>"We don't, if you say not," agreed Jane. "What the captain + of the 'Red Rover' orders, is to be done. Where are the + pails?"</p> + + <p>"I think I remember having carried one outside."</p> + + <p>"Here's the other," called Crazy Jane, who, at that moment, + fell over the missing pail and went sprawling in the water. She + rose to her feet, dripping, but in great good humor.</p> + + <p>The two plucky girls set to work bailing. They did not wish + to call in their companions to help them, as they believed they + could accomplish more by themselves. Bailing out the boat was + back-breaking work, and there was so much water in the hold of + the "Red Rover," that at first their bailing seemed to have no + effect whatever. Now and then they would go ashore and throw + themselves down for a brief rest. Miss Elting begged them to do + no more, but both Jane and Harriet were deaf to her entreaties. + They alternately bailed and rested until early in the morning, + when utterly exhausted from the strain of the past few hours' + work they were glad to throw themselves down on the canvas + beside their friends for a little rest.</p> + + <p>By this time the dawn had begun to break and soon after the + sun shone brightly. The wind had died down and the lake lay + smooth and glassy in the morning sunlight.</p> + + <p>"I'm going to try to get into that big chest that holds our + clothes," announced Harriet. "If it really is water tight, then + we shall not have to worry long about dry garments."</p> + + <p>"I'll go with you," said Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>The two women made their way to the cabin of the houseboat, + where they were soon joined by Jane. By their united efforts + the barricade was removed from the door, and as the water had + almost subsided Harriet had little difficulty in getting at the + chest.</p> + + <p>"Hurrah!" she exclaimed as she turned the key which had been + allowed to stand in the lock, and lifted the lid. "Everything + is all right. These things are scarcely damp! Jane will you + call the girls? We ought to dress as quickly as possible."</p> + + <p>Fifteen minutes later the Meadow-Brook Girls and Miss Elting + were enjoying the luxury of clean, dry clothing. Their hasty + toilets were scarcely completed, however, when they heard the + steady chug! chug of an approaching motor boat. Harriet climbed + to the upper deck and shading her hands with her eyes looked + out over the waters. Suddenly she exclaimed: "Girls, girls! + Look at that boat!"</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_VI'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER VI</h2> + + <h3>CAPTAIN GEORGE MAKES A FIND</h3><br> + + + <p>"Well, well, if it isn't the Meadow-Brook Girls."</p> + + <p>"It's Captain George Baker," cried Harriet, really overjoyed + to meet their old friend whom, last season, they had beaten in + a cross country contest of endurance and cleverness.</p> + + <p>The girls left the boat and ran down to the shore to welcome + the newcomers. The boys were calling their welcome before they + had fairly landed. With Captain Baker were his friends Dill + Dodd and Sam Crocker, and two other lads, whom Captain Baker + introduced as Larry Goheen and Billy Gordon.</p> + + <p>"Where are the rest of the tramps?" asked Miss Elting + laughingly, hurrying down to the beach to greet the boys.</p> + + <p>"In camp about two miles below here."</p> + + <p>"I believe we have met Mr. Gordon and Mr. Goheen before," + said the guardian. "They were good enough to give us a + tow."</p> + + <p>"Yes," answered George. "They told us about that. Somehow, I + half suspected it to be you folks. After the storm of last + night I wondered how the houseboat with its crew of girls had + fared, so we set out to look for you this morning. We found + you. Well, you are in a mess, aren't you?"</p> + + <p>"Harriet and Jane were bailing water out of the boat nearly + all night, Captain Baker," Miss Elting informed him.</p> + + <p>"You certainly must have had a bad night," returned George + Baker sympathetically.</p> + + <p>The guardian related briefly the experience of the + night.</p> + + <p>"Once more I take off my hat to you," said Captain Baker + admiringly. "And I take off my coat too. Fellows, all off with + your coats! There's work to be done here. How is your + boat?"</p> + + <p>At this juncture Billy Gordon, who had been looking about + the deck of the houseboat, stepped ashore.</p> + + <p>"I don't think the hull is damaged at all. One door is + smashed in and things are pretty well soaked up. If you will + permit it, we fellows will clean up. There's a ton or more of + sand and gravel in the after cockpit. Have you a shovel?"</p> + + <p>The girls shook their heads.</p> + + <p>"We have a dutht pan," Tommy answered.</p> + + <p>"We will use that and a pail, if you have one."</p> + + <p>The lads started for the boat, having discarded their + coats.</p> + + <p>"Oh, by the way, have you any matches?" asked Harriet. "We + need some coffee this morning, but we have nothing with which + to build a fire."</p> + + <p>"Sam, you make a fire."</p> + + <p>"The oil stove may work," suggested Miss Elting. They tried + it, but there was still too much water in the tanks, so Sam + built a fire on shore, and shortly after Harriet and Jane were + busily engaged in getting breakfast, while the boys worked + steadily in the houseboat. Finding nails, saw and hammer, they + patched up the broken door and hung it back in place. Then they + removed all the supplies that had been left aboard and began + cleaning up. They bailed the remaining water out, also + shoveling out the gravel and the sand, after which they + scrubbed the floor and the walls to a height of about three + feet from the floor, where the water had left a dark line on + the white woodwork.</p> + + <p>An hour after the visiting boys had begun their work the + cabin was ready for occupancy again, but the quilts, sheets and + blankets were still wet. A larger fire was built. The boys + rigged a clothes line about the campfire and assisted the girls + to hang up the wet bedding. By this time the lads were hungry. + They readily accepted the invitation of the Meadow-Brook Girls + to sit down with them to breakfast. The table and chairs had + been brought ashore, and there in the cove, with the trees and + bushes for a background, the Meadow-Brook Girls and the Tramp + Club sat down to breakfast. There was plenty of good cheer, + though the faces of the girls were pale, and Harriet and Jane + looked particularly tired.</p> + + <p>"I'll tell you what you must do," declared Captain George + during breakfast. "When you wish to shift your position, let us + know, and we'll tow you about. Did your rope break?"</p> + + <p>Harriet confessed that she had not looked. The captain said + he would look into the matter after breakfast. The first thing + to be done, after getting the equipment back on board, would be + to tow the "Red Rover" off the shore. To do this they arranged + to pass a rope to the launch, the launch to pull ahead while + some of the boys pushed on the houseboat.</p> + + <p>In the meantime, while waiting for the equipment to dry out, + George and his friend, Billy Gordon, who owned the launch, took + Harriet and Jane to town, where Jane wished to go to renew some + of their supplies, as well as to purchase a couple of flatirons + with which to press their wet clothing that had hung in the + cabin when the deluge came.</p> + + <p>During the trip George had drawn out the story of their + previous disaster when they had drifted ashore, though Harriet + refrained from mentioning the fact that their anchor rope had + been cut on that occasion. From George's questions it was plain + that he suspected something was wrong, though Harriet failed to + gratify his suspicions by direct answers to direct + questions.</p> + + <p>George explained, during the trip to the town, that the + Tramp Club had been invited by Billy Gordon, who owned the + launch, to spend a few weeks with him on the lake. He was to + furnish the launch for their cruises, while the boys supplied + the camp equipment. Billy knew the lake and they knew how to + camp, and now that they had renewed acquaintance with their old + rivals, the Meadow-Brook Girls, the Tramp Club were glad they + had accepted Gordon's invitation.</p> + + <p>The trip to town was quickly made, and the two girls + completed their purchases with little loss of time, and were + back on board the launch within an hour from the time they had + started.</p> + + <p>"Now," said George, after they had started on their return + voyage, "is there any place you wish to go?"</p> + + <p>"I want as soon as possible to get back to the boat and + discuss with the girls what is to be done," answered + Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Well, can we help you? Is there anywhere you wish us to tow + your houseboat?"</p> + + <p>"Let me see," pondered Captain Burrell, "I think I should + like to get out of that cove. We haven't made any plans."</p> + + <p>"Then suppose we tow you over in front of our camp? We'll be + handy, then, in case you need us again."</p> + + <p>Harriet shook her head.</p> + + <p>"I don't think that would be best. You see, we wish to go it + alone. We don't wish to have to depend upon any one."</p> + + <p>"You don't have to do so. You are able to take care of + yourselves. I'd back the Meadow-Brook Girls against the world," + declared George, confidently, which aroused a laugh from the + other occupants of the boat. "We helped you this morning, did + we not?"</p> + + <p>"Indeed, you did."</p> + + <p>"But they would have gotten out of the scrape without us," + nodded Billy.</p> + + <p>"Surely we would," chuckled Crazy Jane. "We always do get + out of our scrapes, somehow. But we thank you just the + same."</p> + + <p>"Indeed, we do," agreed Harriet earnestly. "I was about to + say, when you asked me if there were any place we wished to go, + that we do wish to go over to the other side of the lake some + day soon, and—"</p> + + <p>"Any time," interrupted Billy. "I'll take you over to-day, + if you say the word."</p> + + <p>Harriet shook her head.</p> + + <p>"Boys, we've got business on hand to-day," said Jane + briskly. "There is plenty to be done. It will take us two days + to get well settled again. You will look us up occasionally, I + am sure. We can then let you know where and when we wish to go, + can't we?"</p> + + <p>"Surely you can," agreed George enthusiastically. "But I'm + sorry you won't come to anchor near our camp."</p> + + <p>Harriet told him they should be moving frequently; that they + hoped to be able to make a complete circuit of the lake before + they had finished their vacation. George said that the boys, + too, were going to move their camp now and then. He told the + girls the Tramp Club had planned to spend a week on one of the + islands in the lake, and that they would so arrange the time as + to do so when the Meadow-Brook party was in that vicinity.</p> + + <p>By the time they had reached the cove where the "Red Rover" + lay the boys who had remained behind had gotten nearly all the + belongings aboard. Miss Elting and the girls were helping them, + Tommy taking it upon herself to "boss" the whole job.</p> + + <p>As soon as the motor boat party had landed, Harriet said she + must look for the anchor rope, which had not been seen that + morning.</p> + + <p>"I'll do that," offered Larry Goheen. "You ought to make it + secure, so that the boat can't get away," he added.</p> + + <p>"I thought I secured it last night. I made a stout loop and + slipped it over the cleat on the deck. I don't see how the boat + could have gotten away unless the rope broke, which it + undoubtedly did."</p> + + <p>George said he would see about that. The rowboat had drifted + ashore unharmed. Captain George launched the boat and rowed + out, paddling about until finally they saw him stop and raise + the end of a rope from the water.</p> + + <p>"Bring the launch out here, Bill," he called. "Yes, I've + found it, and I've found something else too. There's been some + crooked work here!"</p> + + <p>"What do you mean?" called Harriet.</p> + + <p>"I'll tell you when I come in. I've made a find, all + right!"</p> + + <p>The captain had indeed made a find—one that more than + confirmed the suspicions he had formed earlier in the + morning.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_VII'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER VII</h2> + + <h3>A MYSTERIOUS NIGHT JOURNEY</h3><br> + + + <p>Billy Gordon got aboard the launch and paddled it out to + where Captain Baker sat examining the rope, the end of which he + had picked up from the water.</p> + + <p>"What have you found? More mystery?" shouted Crazy Jane.</p> + + <p>"Yes. I'll tell you when I get ashore. What kind of an + anchor have you down here?"</p> + + <p>"Just an anchor, that's all," answered Harriet. "Why?"</p> + + <p>"Nothing. I was just wondering."</p> + + <p>George climbed over into the launch, tying the rowboat + behind it. Then the two lads hauled the anchor aboard the power + boat. After examining the anchor, they paddled the launch + ashore, towing the smaller boat behind them.</p> + + <p>"We have the old anchor. It's a good one too," announced + Billy, stepping ashore. "I take back all I said. George has + some questions to ask you."</p> + + <p>"Yes," nodded young Baker. "Was the anchor rope in good + condition when you put out the anchor, Miss Burrell?"</p> + + <p>"So far as I know. Did it break?"</p> + + <p>"It broke, all right. Will you show me where you made it + fast last night?"</p> + + <p>Harriet led the way to the forward deck of the "Red Rover," + pointing to a hard wood cleat.</p> + + <p>"I made a loop in the rope and slipped it over the cleat, + drawing it tight. I do not see how it would be possible for the + loop to slip off, nor, in fact, for the rope to break."</p> + + <p>"Hm-m-m-m!" pondered George, feeling the cleat with critical + fingers. "Smooth. No chance for it to have worn through. There + is something to be explained in this affair, Miss Burrell."</p> + + <p>Harriet gazed searchingly at him, but said nothing.</p> + + <p>"I wish you would have a look at the rope. It's there on the + shore. Then, after you have examined it, tell me what you think + about the matter, but tell me just whatever you wish to. I'm + not going to question you about something you don't wish me to + know."</p> + + <p>"What do you mean, Captain?"</p> + + <p>"Have you any enemies up here?"</p> + + <p>"I do not know of any. I have a rival here, though."</p> + + <p>"Eh? Who?"</p> + + <p>"You," answered Harriet, with a smile.</p> + + <p>"Oh!" Captain Baker flushed, then he laughed heartily. "That + was last summer. You beat us fairly. Of course we wanted to win + the race home, and so did you, but you won it fairly and + squarely, and that's all there was about it. We got you into + trouble by stealing the melons and giving them to you, but + honestly, we didn't mean to have the farmer hold you + responsible."</p> + + <p>"We owe you something for telling George's fortune," laughed + Sam.</p> + + <p>"Then pay your debts," retorted Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Don't you do anything of the sort, boys," warned Jane. "You + know what will happen to you, if you do."</p> + + <p>"What will happen?" demanded Baker, turning to Crazy + Jane.</p> + + <p>"Oh, that would be telling. We should be even with you + before we had finished, you know. Girls are always more + resourceful than boys."</p> + + <p>"I don't agree with you," retorted George Baker.</p> + + <p>"Do you wish us to prove it to you?" asked Harriet + laughingly.</p> + + <p>"I'll give you a chance to fail," returned George. "As long + as we're going to spend our vacations on this lake we'll give + you girls a chance to prove your superiority as strategists. + I'll wager you a No. 2 Brownie Camera, to be the joint property + of whichever side wins it, that the Tramp Club can completely + outwit the Meadow-Brook Girls three times inside of three + weeks. What do you say?"</p> + + <p>"Shall we accept the challenge, Miss Elting?" asked Harriet. + "What do you say, girls?"</p> + + <p>"Done!" chorused the girls and their guardian.</p> + + <p>"Very well," smiled Harriet. "The contest begins now, and of + course all unfair tricks are to be barred out by both + sides."</p> + + <p>"Of course," agreed George. "But come along and have a look + at the rope."</p> + + <p>Harriet stepped briskly ashore, followed by Jane and the two + boys. She went directly to where the rope and the anchor lay. + Picking up the former she ran it through her hands until she + came to the loop that had been drawn about the cleat on the + deck when the boat had been anchored on the previous afternoon. + The Meadow-Brook Girl held the loop on the palm of her left + hand, gazing at the rope reflectively. She frowned slightly as + she looked at it.</p> + + <p>"Well, what do you find?" questioned the captain + briskly.</p> + + <p>Harriet glanced up at him quickly.</p> + + <p>"I understand," she said.</p> + + <p>"What is it, Harriet, dear?" asked Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"Oh, what a mess!" muttered Jane, who had been looking over + Harriet's shoulder. "Here's more trouble for the Meadow-Brook + Girls, and trouble for somebody besides them, too."</p> + + <p>"You can see for yourself," replied Harriet, handing the end + of the rope to the guardian.</p> + + <p>"The loop has been cut!" exclaimed Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>Harriet nodded.</p> + + <p>"It has, indeed," agreed Jane.</p> + + <p>Miss Elting and Harriet Burrell exchanged significant + glances. George Baker observed the looks. He nodded to Billy. + Larry Goheen winked wisely.</p> + + <p>"There is something behind this business then, Miss Elting?" + asked the captain.</p> + + <p>"I don't mind admitting that there is, Mr. Baker," answered + the guardian. "What do you say, girls, shall we tell the boys?" + she inquired, turning to her wards.</p> + + <p>"If you think best," agreed Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Surely. Tell them. Maybe they'll be able to catch the + rascal," urged Jane McCarthy.</p> + + <p>"This is not the first time we have been troubled by some + person who wishes to annoy us," Miss Elting informed the Tramp + Club. "Before we began to live on the boat, and while we were + getting it ready for occupancy, some person did the same thing. + That is, he cut the rope and cast the boat adrift. It was + anchored at Johnson's dock. Perhaps you do not know where that + is."</p> + + <p>"I know," spoke up Billy. "It's about two miles above here. + That's where we landed to-day, George."</p> + + <p>Captain Baker nodded.</p> + + <p>"How do you know they cast the 'Red Rover' adrift?" he + asked.</p> + + <p>"The rope had been cut," replied Harriet Burrell. "It was + just as Miss Elting has told you. The anchor rope had been cut + cleanly with a sharp knife. This time the loop, instead of the + rope, has been cut."</p> + + <p>"I thought you said you had no enemies," observed Sam + Crocker.</p> + + <p>"Nor have we, as far as we know," answered the guardian.</p> + + <p>"I don't know what you would call the person who did this, + then. This is all the more reason why you should anchor near + our camp."</p> + + <p>"Oh, no. We are perfectly able to take care of ourselves," + smiled Miss Elting. "Experiences such as these aid in making us + self-reliant."</p> + + <p>"Have you a revolver on board?" questioned Gordon.</p> + + <p>"Miss Elting has a revolver," answered Jane.</p> + + <p>"We hope never to be forced to use it, however. The trouble + is that our friend doesn't show himself. But just wait. One of + these fine nights we'll catch him, then he'll take a bath in + the lake."</p> + + <p>"You have no idea who he is?"</p> + + <p>"I can't say that we have," replied the guardian slowly.</p> + + <p>"Do you know Mr. Dickinson?" asked Harriet, looking sharply + at Gordon.</p> + + <p>"Dee? Yes."</p> + + <p>"What sort of person is he?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, Dee's all right. He doesn't amount to a whole lot, but + he is a good fellow. Why?" He shot a suspicious glance at + Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Nothing, except that he was looking after the boat for Miss + Elting's brother before we came down here."</p> + + <p>George put an end to the conversation by announcing that it + was time they got the "Red Rover" out. The motor boat was + paddled out into deeper water, then the houseboat was fastened + to the motor boat and the power started, while all the boys + save two pulled and hauled on the heavy houseboat. It floated + slowly out into deeper water, while the girls cheered the + efforts of the Tramp Club.</p> + + <p>The anchor, in the meantime, had been put on board and a new + loop made at the end of the rope. The girls now climbed into + the rowboat and were rowed out to the "Red Rover," after which + the motor boat began towing the "Red Rover" into the lake, with + Captain George Baker at the helm. He had remained aboard to + give further assistance, if needed.</p> + + <p>"This is the worst old tub to steer that ever I took hold + of," he declared.</p> + + <p>"We found it so," agreed Harriet. "You will get the knack of + it soon. When you do, you will find steering it rather + easy."</p> + + <p>They reached a cove farther up the lake, shortly after noon. + Here the Meadow-Brook Girls decided to anchor, as there was a + farmhouse on a bluff a little way inland, where they thought + they would be able to get milk, eggs and vegetables. George + decided that he would call in the motor boat and return to + camp, promising to come over and see them later to get their + orders for the following day.</p> + + <p>Miss Elting and her girls expressed their appreciation of + the kindness of Captain Baker and his friends.</p> + + <p>"We haven't done anything worth while yet," retorted Captain + Baker. "Perhaps we may give you a real opportunity to thank us, + later on. On the other hand, you may not wish to thank us," he + added, with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.</p> + + <p>"Now, I wonder what the boy meant by that?" thought Crazy + Jane, regarding George shrewdly through half-closed eyes.</p> + + <p>Captain Baker went over the side, boarding the motor boat + after he had cast anchor for the girls and made everything + snug. Then, with many good-byes on both sides, the power boat + chugged away toward the Tramp Club camp, the Meadow-Brook Girls + turning to the duties of the day.</p> + + <p>The first task was to get their clothing in condition. There + was now no one to interfere with them. Flatirons were put on + the oil stove, which was once more in working order, and the + work of pressing out their wrinkled clothing was begun. Harriet + and Jane handled the irons. Miss Elting took down the curtains, + which also were sadly in need of ironing, while Margery and + Hazel prepared the noon meal. Tommy perched herself on the rail + of the upper deck, and caroled forth a lisping ditty.</p> + + <p>After dinner, Harriet and Jane rowed ashore and purchased + supplies from the farmhouse that they had observed on their way + to the present anchorage. The day passed all too quickly. + Twilight was upon them almost before they realized it. Supper + was late that night, and ere they had finished the dishes the + motor boat drew up to them and the Tramp Club swarmed over the + side of the houseboat with merry greetings.</p> + + <p>"It is almost like being boarded by pirates," laughed + Harriet. "In this case the pirates are welcome."</p> + + <p>The boys had brought with them a bag of early apples, which + Captain Baker gravely assured them had been duly bought and + paid for. The boys also had brought their harmonicas, and later + in the evening there was a harmonica concert on the upper deck + of the "Red Rover." Later on the girls served their guests with + cake and coffee. Larry Goheen, who, like Jane McCarthy, was + gifted with true Irish wit, was the life of the party. He and + Crazy Jane bandied words and said witty things to each other to + the delight of the rest of the company.</p> + + <p>The boys took their leave at ten o'clock. First, they left a + lantern for the houseboat, which George Baker lighted and set + in place at the stern. The anchor light of the houseboat had + been lost in the storm of the previous night, or else it had + been stolen, which latter they doubted. The girls were quite + ready to retire, and lost no time in turning in after the + departure of their guests. Then quiet settled down upon the + "Red Rover." A gentle swell on the water lulled the girls into + deep, peaceful slumber, until after sunrise next morning.</p> + + <p>Tommy, for a wonder, was the first to get out of bed in the + morning. Half-asleep she staggered, blinking, to the after + deck, and then leaned over to wash the last of the sleep out of + her eyes. There followed a sudden, sharp splash, and a moment + later the blonde head of Tommy Thompson appeared from out of + the lake. Tommy had fallen in again. This time she did not + scream. She climbed aboard the boat, grumbling to herself, and + proceeded to dress without further delay.</p> + + <p>"For goodness' sake, Tommy, what is the matter?" demanded + Harriet, sitting up in bed, rubbing her blinking eyes. "Did you + fall into the lake again?"</p> + + <p>"I gueth I had a bath thith morning," answered Tommy.</p> + + <p>"An impromptu plunge, I should call it," answered Harriet + smiling. Then she glanced sharply out through the rear door of + the cabin. Her eyes narrowed as she gazed. She rose from her + cot and walked to the door, looking over the water towards the + opposite shore, her forehead wrinkling into a perplexed frown. + "Girls! Get up! Come out and view the scenery. I promise you it + is well worth seeing this morning. Oh, Miss Elting, do you know + where you are?"</p> + + <p>"Why—why, what does it mean?" gasped the girls who had + hurriedly tumbled out following Harriet's summons.</p> + + <p>The guardian could scarcely believe her eyes. They were not + in the cove where the boat had been anchored the day before. + The scenery on the shore near them was strange and new.</p> + + <p>"What does it mean, Harriet?" demanded the guardian.</p> + + <p>"I think a fairy must have touched the world with her wand + and changed it into something else during the night," replied + Harriet. "But don't you know where you are, Miss Elting?"</p> + + <p>"I do not. Do you?"</p> + + <p>"I think I do."</p> + + <p>"I know," piped Tommy. "We are on the water. I wath in it + earlier thith morning."</p> + + <p>No one gave any heed to Tommy's pleasantry. They were too + amazed and perplexed to give thought to anything but the + strangeness of their surroundings.</p> + + <p>"Then I will tell you," said Harriet, "We are on the other + side of the lake. Do you see that white house on the bluff + across the lake? Well, that is the farmhouse where we got our + milk yesterday."</p> + + <p>"But—but——" gasped Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"We are now where we wanted to be, across the lake near the + beautiful islands and the pretty wooded shores."</p> + + <p>"But how did we get here?" finished Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"I don't know. I know only that we're here. Somehow we must + have made a mysterious journey across the lake during the + night, or else the fairy that I spoke of has turned the lake + around in the night and left us standing exactly as we were. + But I can't think on an empty stomach. Let's dress and get + breakfast; then we will consider what has happened to us. We + are anchored all right, so there is no occasion for worry. The + weather is fine too. Our unknown enemy did us a good turn, this + time, if he only knew it. Come along, girls."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_VIII'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + + <h3>THE ISLAND OF DELIGHT</h3><br> + + + <p>"It is the most mysterious thing I ever encountered," + declared Miss Elting at breakfast, after she had stepped to the + window again to gaze off over the lake to the cove—in the + distance—where the "Red Rover" had lain when they retired + the night before.</p> + + <p>None of the girls except Harriet and Jane had much appetite + for breakfast. They were too excited over the mysterious + changing of their position.</p> + + <p>"What I cannot understand," continued the guardian, "is how + we, who pride ourselves on being woodsmen, trailers and scouts + and all the other things, could possibly be carried across a + lake, dragged over several miles of water and not know anything + about it. Can you explain why we didn't wake up, Harriet + Burrell?"</p> + + <p>Harriet shook her head.</p> + + <p>"And we are anchored just the same as we were last night," + remarked Jane. "It's spirits, girls. No mistake about + that."</p> + + <p>"Now, Jane," laughed Harriet. "You know very well that the + mere fact that our anchor was pulled up before we left the + other side of the lake, then let down on this side, makes your + spirit theory impossible."</p> + + <p>"It <i>wath</i> thpookth," declared Tommy. "I thaw one + thtanding on the handle of the mop pail latht night after I + went to bed. I heard the water thplathh when he jumped in the + pail."</p> + + <p>"What a marvelous imagination you have," jeered Jane.</p> + + <p>"All this talk doesn't help us to solve the mystery," + averred Hazel. "How did we get here?"</p> + + <p>"We do not know, but we are going to find out," replied + Harriet.</p> + + <p>"How?"</p> + + <p>"I can't tell you. Something will turn up to give us a clue + to this and the other mysteries. I have my suspicions of the + Tramp Club in this matter. I am very glad that the rope was not + cut, this time, or thrown overboard after being removed from + the boat. If the boys are responsible for this, rest assured + they'll be the first to tell us. You know the island that we + admired so much from a distance, Miss Elting?</p> + + <p>"We are within a mile of it now. After breakfast, with your + permission I'll row over," continued Harriet. "I want to see + that island at close range. Jane, will you come with me?" Jane + was prompt to accept Harriet's invitation. Miss Elting also was + invited, but concluded to remain with the other girls on the + houseboat.</p> + + <p>Harriet and her companion rowed rapidly to the island + shortly after breakfast. It was a good sized island, as they + discovered by rowing down one side of it, the side nearest to + the shore of the mainland near which the houseboat was + anchored. The girls rowed in so close that they were able to + reach up and touch the foliage overhead and in places it + trailed in the water. The island was rocky, still it was + heavily wooded. One side of it was popular with picnic parties, + but on the side where the girls were few boats ever landed. As + they were rowing slowly along the edge, Harriet's eyes were + constantly searching the shore.</p> + + <p>"This is about what I thought we should find, Jane."</p> + + <p>"What are you looking for, dear?"</p> + + <p>"I am trying to find a place where we can run the 'Red + Rover' in under the trees, and where the boat cannot be seen + from the lake on either side of the island."</p> + + <p>"You will have to change its color then. Why, in the + sunlight you could see that tub fifty miles away."</p> + + <p>Harriet did not answer. She had rested on the oars, and was + peering over her right shoulder towards the thicket at the + shore of the island.</p> + + <p>"No, my dear, not where I am going to put the boat provided + there is room for it. Do you see that current swirling right + into the island there? I saw that from the deck of the 'Red + Rover,' this morning, when looking through the glasses. At + least I thought it was a current. The water everywhere else was + very still, but a slight discoloration there, as you see it, + led me to believe there was a creek running into the + island."</p> + + <p>"You have sharp eyes, Harriet. But where's your creek? I + don't see it," laughed Jane.</p> + + <p>"Neither do I. There may be no creek there, but if there is, + it's going to be a splendid place to hide."</p> + + <p>"Hide?" wondered Jane.</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"But why should we hide, darlin'?"</p> + + <p>"In that way we may be able to get some clue to our unknown + enemy," nodded Harriet. "If the boys did tow us over here, of + course they'll wonder what became of us."</p> + + <p>"Do you think our enemy will try to find us?" asked + Jane.</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"I don't. We'll be wasting our time. The boys won't look for + us, here, either."</p> + + <p>"Well, here is the creek, at any rate," exclaimed Harriet, + swinging the bow of the boat in as she spoke. "And oh, Jane! + Look!"</p> + + <p>A smooth sheet of dark water was revealed to the eyes of the + girls. It was shimmering in the deep shadow of the foliage + under which it flowed until it became lost in the shadows of + foliage and rocks. Harriet drove her boat in without the least + hesitancy. She saw by glancing above her head that there were + no heavy limbs of trees hanging over the little waterway. A + sounding with the oar developed the fact that there was only + about three feet of water in the stream.</p> + + <p>"Do you know where you are going, Harriet?" questioned Jane + anxiously.</p> + + <p>"No. But I don't care. Do you?"</p> + + <p>"Not I. I can go where you go. Oh, look at that hole. It's a + cave, Harriet, and the stream goes right into it."</p> + + <p>"I think you are mistaken, Jane. That looks to me more as if + the water had worn an opening in the rocks. The water must have + been very high to make such a large opening. Yes. See! The + water swirls in at one side of the opening and comes out on the + other side, making a sort of horseshoe shape of the cut-out + place. Isn't this a place in which to hide, Jane McCarthy?" + cried Harriet triumphantly.</p> + + <p>"Hurrah! The greatest hiding place in the world."</p> + + <p>"And won't the Tramp Club be amazed when they find we are + missing? They'll think their chance of winning the camera is + doubtful."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps they'll think we're drowned," answered Jane, her + eyes sparkling mischievously.</p> + + <p>"A little scare will do them good," returned Harriet, the + mischievous sparkle appearing in the depths of her brown eyes. + "What do you think of it, dear?"</p> + + <p>"Fine! It's glorious. We'll have a picnic here. What fun, + what fun! And it's such a beautiful place too. What shall we + call it?"</p> + + <p>"I think we might call it the Island of Delight," answered + Harriet, after brief reflection.</p> + + <p>"That's the name! Now, let's explore the place."</p> + + <p>"Oh, no, not now, Jane. We must go and lay our plan before + Miss Elting first. I do not think she will object, but we must + ask her, of course, before we make any further + arrangements."</p> + + <p>"When do you plan to move in here?"</p> + + <p>"Just as soon as we are able to get the 'Red Rover' in here. + I am in a hurry. The boys are likely to be sailing over here + almost any time now. We must get out of sight before they come + near here."</p> + + <p>"Hurrah!" shouted Crazy Jane.</p> + + <p>"Save your breath. You will need it before we have gotten + our big boat in. It is going to be a hard pull to get it + through all this foliage and then it is going to be another + difficult job to get it out again. When we get those boys on + the Island of Delight we are going to give them something to + think about," chuckled Harriet. "This time, the Meadow-Brook + Girls will score."</p> + + <p>"I should like to know how you are going to get them here?" + wondered Jane.</p> + + <p>"Oh, that is easy. One doesn't even need to think to know + how to do that," laughed Harriet Burrell.</p> + + <p>Jane regarded her admiringly.</p> + + <p>"You sure are a wonderful girl. My daddy says he'd give a + million if you were his daughter."</p> + + <p>"I'm worth much less than that," smiled Harriet. "Now let's + go back. We haven't any time to spare. When we get out into the + lake both of us will row, but let's be certain that there is no + one in sight. We don't want to be seen coming from this place + or our plans will be spoiled before we have had a chance to + carry them out."</p> + + <p>They shoved the rowboat back through the foliage by placing + the oars on the bottom and pushing. They made better progress + this way than they could have made by rowing, for the low + hanging branches of the trees fouled the oars, making rowing a + difficult method of travel, as they had learned when they + entered the narrow little waterway.</p> + + <p>No person was in sight when they emerged. The two girls bent + to their oars with a will and made rapid progress on their way + back toward the "Red Rover."</p> + + <p>Those on the houseboat saw the girls coming.</p> + + <p>"Harriet ith in a hurry about thomething," observed Tommy, + wrinkling her forehead into sharp little ridges of perplexity. + She did not understand how any one could be in a hurry on such + a hot day as this.</p> + + <p>The rowers reached the "Red Rover," and jumping aboard, + their faces flushed and eyes sparkling, proceeded to tell their + companions of their great find.</p> + + <p>"And what is your plan?" asked the guardian, smiling + good-naturedly.</p> + + <p>Harriet told her, whispering part of what she had to say, in + the ear of Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"That will be fine," glowed the guardian, instantly entering + into the spirit of the plan. "We shall at least have a good + time there."</p> + + <p>"And we'll be hidden from the world so no one will know we + are on this island at all," interjected Jane.</p> + + <p>"I am with you, girls. But we must not let people get the + idea that anything has happened to us. That would not be right, + you know."</p> + + <p>"No one about here knows, or at least cares, what happens to + us, unless it is the Tramp Club," replied Harriet, "Besides, I + shall find a way to let them know we are above water, rather + than underneath it."</p> + + <p>"All right. I suppose you wish to move into this retreat + to-day, Captain Harriet?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. At once."</p> + + <p>"Then get under way, Captain, as soon as you wish. Able + seaman Tommy Thompson will heave the anchor for you," averred + the guardian merrily.</p> + + <p>"Able theaman Tommy will do nothing of the thort," retorted + Tommy. "Able theaman Tommy will heave herthelf overboard if + thhe trieth to do any heaving at all."</p> + + <p>"Miss Elting, I think you can steer the boat. I am needed in + the rowboat with Jane," interrupted Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Girls, I am afraid it is going to be a pretty hard pull in + this heat. Hadn't we better wait until the evening?" suggested + the guardian.</p> + + <p>Harriet and Jane protested that they didn't mind the heat at + all, and that they could pull the big boat over to the island + without the least difficulty. Miss Elting offered no further + objections. The "Red Rover" was a scene of activity from that + moment on. All hands except Tommy assisted in getting the + anchor aboard. Harriet and Jane, without loss of time, jumped + into the rowboat and began pulling away. It was hard work to + get the houseboat started, but once under way it followed along + fairly well.</p> + + <p>Miss Elting handled the tiller, while Hazel, Margery and + Tommy acted as lookouts to inform the rowers if any motor boats + were sighted. The lookouts watched the lake through their + glasses. The sun glaring down on the red sides of the "Red + Rover" made the boat visible as far as eyes could reach. It was + even discovered by one of the Tramp Club boys, but so slowly + did it move that he was not aware that it was moving at all. + From the other side of the lake the houseboat appeared to be + standing still, until finally it disappeared altogether. He + wondered a little over this at the time, then forgot all about + the circumstance until later.</p> + + <center> + <a href='images/img102-lg.png'><img src= + 'images/img102-sm.jpg' + width='275' + height='431' + alt='Miss Elting Handled the Tiller.' + title='Miss Elting Handled the Tiller.' + border="0"></a><br> + <small><b>Miss Elting Handled the Tiller.</b></small> + </center> + + <p>In the meantime Harriet and Crazy Jane were heading toward + the Island of Delight, pulling at the oars with backs bent to + their task. They were destined to have a most delightful time + on this their Island of Delight and to experience some thrills + as well, and Harriet's plans were to work out better than she + knew.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_IX'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER IX</h2> + + <h3>THE TRAMP CLUB IS ALARMED</h3><br> + + + <p>Now that they were masked by the island, the girls also were + shut off from a view of the lake, save for the narrow ribbon of + water that lay between them and the nearby shore, so they rowed + faster than before.</p> + + <p>"Can you steer into this opening?" called Harriet.</p> + + <p>"I am afraid I can't," answered Miss Elting. "You will have + to put me aboard, Jane, I'll have Hazel help you pull in; then + we shall have to push the rest of the way."</p> + + <p>Harriet Burrell sprang on board a few minutes later. She set + Miss Elting and Margery at work with poles at the stern of the + boat pushing, as soon as they entered the shallow water. Tommy + had been posted on the upper deck, from which the awning posts + had been removed. Tommy's business was to hold her arms out at + right angles to her body and by moving them as directed + indicate to Harriet which way to steer. It will be remembered + that Harriet was unable to see over the deckhouse from where + she stood when guiding the craft. She could see only by leaning + out on either side.</p> + + <p>They entered the narrow channel very slowly. But no sooner + had they gotten well in than a cry from Tommy Thompson told + them that the little lisping girl was in trouble.</p> + + <p>Tommy had been swept from her feet by the foliage. Not only + that, but in floundering about she had rolled over the side of + the boat. A mighty splash and a second cry gave additional + evidence that Tommy was in further difficulties.</p> + + <p>"Help me! I'm in the water!" she screamed, coming up + sputtering and coughing.</p> + + <p>"Stay there and push," answered Harriet, laughing so that + she bumped the nose of the houseboat into the bank on the right + side of the creek. "You can't get any wetter. The water is + shallow. Come. Don't hold up the ship."</p> + + <p>Tommy had no intention of pushing. Her sole ambition at this + moment was to get aboard.</p> + + <p>"You may do your own piloting after thith," she declared, + sitting down on the stern of the boat with a suggestion of a + sob in her voice.</p> + + <p>"There, there, Tommy. You must learn to take the bitter with + the sweet. We must do that all through life," comforted Harriet + wisely. "You aren't hurt."</p> + + <p>"No, but I'm wet. My feelingth are hurt, too."</p> + + <p>"Don't think about it any more," advised Harriet. "Go into + the cabin and change your wet clothes. Then you'll feel + better."</p> + + <p>"Will you steer, Miss Elting?" Harriet asked the guardian. + "We are slowing down too much. If we stop it will be difficult + to get another start."</p> + + <p>The boat moved faster when Harriet took hold of the pushing + pole. Jane had ceased rowing because she was at the end of her + tow line and had proceeded as far into the cave-like opening in + the rocks as she could go. She pulled the rowboat to one side + and called to the helmswoman of the "Red Rover" not to run her + down.</p> + + <p>"Snub her nose against the side. We don't want to bump into + the rocks," ordered Captain Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Thnub whothe nothe?" questioned Tommy apprehensively.</p> + + <p>"The boat's, of course, you goose," answered Harriet + laughingly. "That's it. Will it go in clear, Jane?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, all right."</p> + + <p>"Good. I was certain it would."</p> + + <p>"How are we going to keep the boat in here? It will drift + out with the current, will it not?" asked the guardian.</p> + + <p>"We will put out the anchor at the other end, giving it a + short rope. That will hold us. The current is not swift."</p> + + <p>While she was holding the "Red Rover" in place, Jane and + Miss Elting dragged the anchor to the inner end of the opening, + put it over and made it fast with a shortened rope.</p> + + <p>"There. Now let's sit down and rest our backs," exclaimed + Harriet. Her face was red and perspiring. "I'm tired."</p> + + <p>"Harriet, you must be tired. You have wonderful endurance," + said the guardian.</p> + + <p>"Tho am I tired. I'm worn out," declared Tommy.</p> + + <p>"Tired? Why, you haven't done a thing, you dear little + goose," chuckled Crazy Jane.</p> + + <p>"I know that. It maketh me tired to watch you folkth work. + Now, what crathy thing are we going to do?"</p> + + <p>"After we have rested we are going to explore our Island of + Delight. Won't that be splendid?" questioned Harriet, with + glowing eyes. "Just imagine that we are on an unknown, + mysterious island. Perhaps there are savages, wild beasts + and——"</p> + + <p>"And thingth," finished Tommy.</p> + + <p>"Yes, and things," agreed Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps there is another phase of this game of hide and + seek that you have not thought of, Harriet," pondered Miss + Elting. "How are we to get fresh supplies?"</p> + + <p>"There are several farmhouses within half an hour's row of + us. By going to them early in the evening we shall not be + discovered."</p> + + <p>Miss Elting nodded. Margery wanted to know how long they + were going to stay in that hole in the ground.</p> + + <p>"Until you girls get tired of it," answered Harriet + good-naturedly. "As I understand our arrangement, we have the + privilege of expressing our choice in all matters that come up, + Miss Elting's decision being final. What a glorious place this + is!"</p> + + <p>"Aren't we going to explore our Island of Delight now?" + demanded Jane.</p> + + <p>"It is your discovery—yours and Harriet's," was Miss + Elting's smiling reply. "Suit yourselves as to exploring + it."</p> + + <p>"We have time to look about a little before night," answered + Harriet. "It won't be dark for a little while yet."</p> + + <p>They were about to start out when the distant chug of a + motor boat was heard. "I guess we will not go just yet," she + added. "Wait. I'll row down to the mouth and see if it is the + Tramp Club's boat."</p> + + <p>Harriet paddled part way to the lake edge, then finding the + bank accessible, sprang out and crept the rest of the way on + shore. She was in time to see a power boat moving slowly past. + It was close to the shore of the island. Several young men were + aboard. One was standing up, gazing toward the island, one hand + shading his eyes. Harriet chuckled when she recognized the + standing boy as George Baker. There could be no doubt that the + boys were looking for the Meadow-Brook Girls. The watching girl + chuckled with delight. Then the thought occurred to her that + some way must be found to communicate with the boys soon, so + that the latter might know they were safe. Just how that was to + be accomplished Harriet did not know. The launch soon passed on + out of sight.</p> + + <p>As a matter of fact, Captain George Baker and his companions + were a little disturbed over not finding the "Red Rover." Sam + said he had seen the boat that afternoon, and unless it had + picked up a tow the houseboat could not be far away. They moved + along the shore, peering into each cove on that side of the + lake until twilight fell and it was no longer light enough to + see into the shadows.</p> + + <p>"It's my opinion that those girls will win the wager unless + we do some hustling," declared Larry Goheen, when they had once + more returned to their camp on the other side of the lake.</p> + + <p>"Harriet Burrell is very clever," answered George. "I wish + we had gone ashore over there near where we last saw the 'Red + Rover.' I'll tell you what we'll do. We'll run over there + to-morrow and make inquiries of the farmers nearby. We ought at + least to get some trace of them."</p> + + <p>The boat turned homeward after having encircled the island. + Harriet, as soon as the motor boat had passed on out of sight, + hurried back to her companions.</p> + + <p>"Girls! It's the boys," she cried. "They are looking for us. + I could see that. They were so close to the island that I could + almost have hit them with a stone."</p> + + <p>"Provided you could throw straight," interjected Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>"Yes. I wouldn't have to be a very good thrower to reach a + boat so close as that one was."</p> + + <p>"Shall we go exploring now?" asked Margery.</p> + + <p>"I don't believe it would be prudent. Those boys are sharp. + They may be on the island at this very moment. I don't hear + their boat any more," replied Harriet.</p> + + <p>"We will postpone exploring until to-morrow," announced Miss + Elting. "And now, suppose we get supper? This is a cosy place. + I never saw a more delightful nook. To-morrow morning, if the + coast be clear, we will look about us. How about the + farmhouse?"</p> + + <p>"I am going over there as soon as it gets a little + darker."</p> + + <p>Harriet did not go until after supper, which proved to be + one of the most enjoyable meals to which the girls had ever sat + down. Their surroundings were so romantic that the situation + appealed strongly to each of them. The Meadow-Brook Girls were + in high good humor. Later in the evening, Harriet, accompanied + by Jane and Hazel, paddled the rowboat out from the island and + rowed almost straight across to the shore of the mainland. + Hiding their boat in some bushes they made their way to a + farmhouse, and there arranged for milk. Harriet had a + confidential chat with the woman of the house, who readily + agreed to the girl's proposition to assist in fooling the boys. + The woman further agreed to provide them with such supplies as + they needed. For such as they took with them the girls paid + then and there. Harriet chuckled all the way back to the + island. She believed that she had planned in such a way as + thoroughly to mystify George Baker and his friends, and at the + same time convince the latter that the Meadow-Brook Girls were + not in trouble.</p> + + <p>Reaching the island they found their companions eagerly + awaiting them. To Miss Elting, Harriet confided her plan. Then, + after a happy evening, the houseboat party went to bed, looking + forward with keen expectation to what awaited them on the + morrow, when Harriet's new plan was to be tried.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_X'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER X</h2> + + <h3>THEIR SUSPICIONS AROUSED</h3><br> + + + <p>That night there was a shower. The rain, beating down on the + foliage and the end of the houseboat that protruded from the + cave, served to freshen the air and brought out the fragrance + of green leaves and flowers. When the sun came out next morning + every leaf and petal was glistening, birds were singing + overhead and the girls uttered exclamations of delight as they + ran out in their bathing suits and jumped into the water for + their morning baths.</p> + + <p>For several moments they splashed about in the shallow + water, then, scrambling aboard their houseboat, enjoyed brisk + rub downs, after which their appetites were sufficiently + sharpened to cause them to hurry the breakfast with all + possible speed. They ate under the light of the lamp that hung + from the cabin ceiling. Had the foliage not been so wet they + would have permitted the "Red Rover" to drift out from under + the rocks, but it was decided that the trees were too wet for + this, so they ate in the darkened cave.</p> + + <p>Immediately after breakfast they put on their old khaki + skirts, that they had worn part of the time on their long tramp + across country the previous season, and started out on their + deferred exploring trip about the island. Exclamations of + delight were frequent. The island was full of rocky nooks and + dells; there were numerous wild flowers, while in the great + trees that overhung the shore of the island an occasional + squirrel whisked back and forth.</p> + + <p>"It really is the Island of Delight!" cried Crazy Jane. "How + I wish my dear old dad were here! Wouldn't he want to buy this + island? I'm going to ask him to come here some day, but I'm + afraid he'll say he hasn't the time."</p> + + <p>"This island is too large to explore this morning," declared + Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"It may take some days," Harriet nodded, as they strolled + about, "but it will be delightful work."</p> + + <p>On the outer side they discovered evidences that picnic + parties had been there. And then they came upon the remains of + a campfire, but it was a small one, as though there had been + but a solitary camper, and that some time back.</p> + + <p>"I hope no one comes while we're here," murmured + Margery.</p> + + <p>"How selfish!" laughed Hazel.</p> + + <p>By seven o'clock the delighted girls began to retrace their + steps toward the houseboat.</p> + + <p>"Now, let's go down to the shore and take a look out over + the lake," proposed Harriet, and this was done.</p> + + <p>There were several boats in sight, but at the distance these + looked like mere specks. A large excursion steamer was passing + in the middle of the lake. Feeling quite certain that they were + in no danger of being discovered the girls found a place in the + sunlight and there sat down to bask in the pleasant warmth of + the sun.</p> + + <p>"Get back, at once!" cried Harriet, suddenly springing to + her feet, then crouching. "We don't want to be seen."</p> + + <p>The girls retreated up the shore in some confusion, not + stopping to ask questions until they were concealed.</p> + + <p>"Oh, now I hear it," cried Hazel. "A motor boat coming! Do + you think it's the one the boys are using?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know," Harriet replied, "but it's heading straight + for the island, and we must be ready to seek hiding on the 'Red + Rover.'"</p> + + <p>Anxious eyes peered through the bushes, watching the + approaching boat for some time.</p> + + <p>"It <i>is</i> the boys!" announced Miss Elting finally.</p> + + <p>Tommy leaped up, and started to run.</p> + + <p>"Wait!" commanded Harriet. "Let's make sure what they are + going to do before we run away. We may have to creep across + that open space there. I think they can see it from the lake. + If they are coming to land on the island they will have to go + farther to the right. That will be our time to get back."</p> + + <p>But the Tramp Club had no intention of landing at that + moment. They were nearing the island for the purpose of looking + it over. When they had come as close as they cared to run they + turned the boat sharply and moved along at a slower rate of + speed. They were out of sight of the girls a few moments after + that.</p> + + <p>"Now for the boat. They are going around to the other side + of the island," declared Harriet. "I think our plan is going to + work."</p> + <hr style='width: 45%;'> + + <p>For some reason George Baker was considerably interested in + that island. There were many other islands in the lake, but + this one had come to hold a sort of fascination for him.</p> + + <p>"I don't believe they are over there," reflected George.</p> + + <p>"We should have seen them yesterday if they had been," + answered Billy Gordon. "It's a jolly place, though. We'll come + over here and camp when we get ready. It is seldom that any one + goes there."</p> + + <p>"Where's that farmhouse we saw yesterday?" questioned + Sam.</p> + + <p>"On the other side of the lake, about half way down," + answered Gordon. "There is a pier there so we can land."</p> + + <p>Of course all of this the Meadow-Brook Girls did not hear. + But, having reached the houseboat, they made their way down the + inlet, and were near the mouth of it when they sighted the + motor boat on that side of the island. The girls saw it head + straight for the pier where Harriet had landed the previous + evening on her way to the farmhouse for supplies. The boys tied + up the boat and two of them got out and went up the slope + toward the farmhouse.</p> + + <p>The two boys, George and Billy, returned to the motor boat + walking rapidly.</p> + + <p>"Did you find out anything?" called Sam.</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"Anything wrong?" asked Larry.</p> + + <p>"I don't know. It's a puzzle," replied Captain Baker. "Two + of them were up at that farmhouse last night. The queer thing + about it is that the woman up there saw the 'Red Rover' lying + down here yesterday. Then the boat was gone when she looked + again. I don't understand it."</p> + + <p>"Some one gave them a tow. Don't you tumble to that?" asked + Sam.</p> + + <p>"Where to?"</p> + + <p>"I give it up. I don't know."</p> + + <p>"If nothing has happened them they can't be far away, or the + girls wouldn't have gone up there last night."</p> + + <p>"What time were they there, George?"</p> + + <p>"Some time after dark. I didn't ask the time. I asked the + woman if they were coming again. She said she didn't know. I + told her we would come back later in the day, and, if she saw + either of the girls in the meantime, to tell them that we + wished to know where they are, as we had something to tell + them. It was after dark when they were there. I don't know what + to make of it."</p> + + <p>"Well, they are all right, so what's the use in worrying?" + asked Larry.</p> + + <p>"Yes, they aren't drowned. I haven't any too much confidence + in that old scow. It is likely to spring a leak and go down any + old time," declared Billy Gordon. "I wouldn't trust myself in + it over night."</p> + + <p>"You are not likely to get the chance," jeered Sam. "What + are we going to do now?"</p> + + <p>"Go on to Wantagh, then to camp. We will come back before + supper. While we are out we'll make inquiries. Some one may + have seen the boat. It probably is laid up in a cove somewhere + along this shore," decided George.</p> + + <p>"We should have seen it if it had been," replied Billy.</p> + + <p>"How about that island? Is there any place along the shore + where they could hide the boat?" questioned Baker.</p> + + <p>Billy shook his head.</p> + + <p>"You have seen the whole island. We went all the way around + it yesterday. It is my opinion that they are going to tie the + score."</p> + + <p>"I am beginning to think so myself. But we'll beat them + yet," chuckled Larry Goheen.</p> + + <p>"We will have to wake up in the morning earlier than we + usually do," returned George. "You ought to have seen the way + they won that walking match. Outwit the Meadow-Brook Girls + three times in succession. Well, try it!"</p> + + <p>"If they are so smart, what's the use in bothering about + them?" answered Larry.</p> + + <p>"Because I don't propose to have them get the best of us + every time," returned George. "That's why I made this + wager."</p> + + <p>"They didn't get the best of us the other night, did they?" + grinned Billy. "We're one trick ahead." All the boys except + George laughed heartily over some little joke of their own.</p> + + <p>"Look here, fellows," said Baker. "We think we are mighty + smart, but I'm telling you that we may not be as smart as we + believe. They may be laughing at us all the time."</p> + + <p>The two boys got into the launch and Billy started the + motor. The launch backed away, turned slowly about, then + followed nearly the same course that it had on the previous + day. This time it crept along still closer to the Island of + Delight. The girls, who were watching it, crouched low, almost + flattening themselves on the ground in their efforts to avoid + discovery. The boys, at one time, seemed to be gazing right at + them.</p> + + <p>Yet even with this keen study of the shores of the island + the Tramp Club boys passed by the entrance to the anchorage of + the "Red Rover" without having discovered the little inlet.</p> + + <p>"I'm going over there to find out what they found out," + cried Harriet. "Who is going along? Tommy, I'll take you, Hazel + and Margery this time if you wish to go. You haven't been out + with me at all."</p> + + <p>The four got into the small boat and rowed across the water + to the same landing where less than half an hour before the + boys' boat had been tied up. What Harriet learned at the + farmhouse, filled her with delight.</p> + + <p>"The boys know we are all right now. They are coming back + again this afternoon. They are going to get another surprise, + girls. Oh, we'll win that camera, won't we? Won't Miss Elting + be amused when she hears what we have to tell her?" said + Harriet.</p> + + <p>"I gueth they won't want to thee uth again," suggested + Tommy.</p> + + <p>"Yes, they will. They have something to tell us," returned + Harriet mysteriously.</p> + + <p>"What is it?" asked Margery.</p> + + <p>"I am not going to say. At least, not until I am sure it is + so. I wonder if they will get suspicious of the island and + search it for us?"</p> + + <p>The Meadow-Brook Girls were on the alert all the rest of the + day. They posted a lookout for the boys, in the person of Hazel + Holland, who was to be depended upon. They drew the "Red Rover" + into the cave as far as it would go, only the tip of the after + deck protruding from the mouth of the cave. There was no more + exploring that day. They did not dare get too far away from + their hidden home, fearing lest the boys might come upon them + unawares. Every boat on the lake in the vicinity was regarded + with suspicion. But it was not until nearly five o'clock that + Hazel came in with the report that the launch was heading + across the upper end of the island, evidently making for the + dock visited by it earlier in the day.</p> + + <p>After reaching the landing, Captain Baker went up to the + farmhouse alone. With his companions he had been searching + along the lake the greater part of the afternoon for + information about the "Red Rover," but without result. It was + therefore with some misgivings that he once more knocked at the + door of the farmhouse.</p> + + <p>"Have you seen anything of the young ladies?" he asked the + instant the door was opened in response to his knock.</p> + + <p>"Oh! You are the young man who was here this morning? Yes, + I've heard from them," replied the woman, with a twinkle in her + eyes that Captain Baker failed to observe.</p> + + <p>"You have? What have you heard?"</p> + + <p>"The young women were here very shortly after you left this + morning."</p> + + <p>"You don't say so? Thank you ever so much. Did they say + where they were stopping?" he questioned eagerly.</p> + + <p>The woman shook her head.</p> + + <p>"But they must be near here?"</p> + + <p>"Maybe they are and maybe they ain't." The farmer's wife did + not know exactly where the girls were, so she had told him no + untruth.</p> + + <p>"Haven't you seen their boat?"</p> + + <p>"Not since the other day."</p> + + <p>"That is queer. I don't understand it," pondered George. + "Did they leave any message for us?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," laughed the farmer's wife, keenly enjoying the + puzzled look on Baker's face. "The young lady left word that if + you wanted to see them you'd have to find them."</p> + + <p>"That's the word, is it?" demanded George grimly, pulling + his hat down over his eyes. "The challenge is accepted, and + we'll find them!"</p> + + <p>"Not!" added Larry Goheen skeptically, when he heard of + George's confident answer.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XI'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XI</h2> + + <h3>MARGERY MAKES A CUSTARD</h3><br> + + + <p>"Oh, dear, but I jutht <i>do</i> wonder what the boyth are + going to do!" lisped Tommy, as the motor boat started once more + on its travels.</p> + + <p>"There's nothing very uncertain, in their own minds," + laughed Harriet. "Just see how fast they're going. They've + decided upon something."</p> + + <p>"They're going back to their camp, but I've an idea they're + going to come over soon," guessed Hazel, "and make a regular + search for us."</p> + + <p>"Something of that sort," agreed Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"Well," said Jane sagely, "from their speed and the + comfortable way they're all sitting, I'm sure the boys are not + doing any guessing about their plans."</p> + + <p>"No. They've pathed the guething over to uth," lisped Tommy + sagely.</p> + + <p>"Anyway," said Jane McCarthy, "if our friends can't find us, + then our enemies can't, either."</p> + + <p>"I hadn't thought of that," Harriet nodded.</p> + + <p>"I wish I knew what the boys' plan is. At any rate we must + begin to think of outwitting them a second time."</p> + + <p>"How?" asked Hazel eagerly.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I have the greatest scheme! That is, if they come back + again," added Harriet. "We will just have those boys so + mystified that they won't know what they are doing."</p> + + <p>"What do you propose to do?" asked Hazel.</p> + + <p>"That is a dark secret. We won't even whisper it to the + little birds yet, lest they carry it to our friends the tramps. + I have an idea that our friends will be back here to-night. + Just what they are going to do I don't know, but I think they + are going to spy on the farmhouse. I wish they would come over + to our Island of Delight. There are a number of things we could + do to puzzle them. And then—"</p> + + <p>"And then the wise housekeeper forgot all about her supper," + interrupted Miss Elting, amid a chorus of laughter and many + blushes from Harriet, who, in the excitement of planning to get + the better of George Baker and his friends, had forgotten her + household duties.</p> + + <p>"Very good. I will confess that I have been dilatory. What + do you girls wish for supper?"</p> + + <p>"The same old thing—the old stand-by, bacon and eggs + and coffee, and—"</p> + + <p>"I know what I am going to have," interrupted Margery. "I'm + going to have some custard. I haven't had any custard since I + left home."</p> + + <p>"Can you make it?" asked the guardian.</p> + + <p>"Of course I can."</p> + + <p>"You are quite sure of that?" teased Harriet.</p> + + <p>"I guess I know. I've made it ever so many times. You will + like it, if you get a chance to eat any of it. I am making this + for myself."</p> + + <p>"Thelfithh," jeered Tommy. "Make me thome plum pudding and + thome angel food while you are about it. I jutht love angel + food and plum duff, ath my father callth it."</p> + + <p>"Custard is good enough for you, Tommy Thompson," laughed + Margery. "May I make the custard, Miss Elting?"</p> + + <p>The guardian nodded smilingly.</p> + + <p>"If you think you can."</p> + + <p>"I'll show you. Where are the milk and the eggs and the + other things?"</p> + + <p>"The milk is in that pail that hangs over the side at the + other end of the boat. The eggs are in the paper box behind the + stove. The rest of your materials are in the supply box. As for + water, there is a lake full of it, enough to make custard for + the whole world," remarked Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"Now you are teasing me—and you, too, Harriet. You + will be glad I thought of it, however, after you have tasted + the custard."</p> + + <p>"After I have tasted it, yes," returned Harriet + significantly.</p> + + <p>That there was some hidden meaning in Harriet's remark, + Margery well knew. That was as near as she got to understanding + just then. Later on she understood more fully.</p> + + <p>"I am afraid you haven't time to make the custard for + supper," added Harriet.</p> + + <p>"It will do for dessert later in the evening. We don't have + to eat everything all at once, you know." Margery was in a + flurry of importance, over the idea of making the custard. + Tommy, despite her apparent indifference, was eagerly waiting + for the custard. It was one of her favorite dishes.</p> + + <p>Buster broke the eggs in an agate dish, then added the milk, + a cupful for each person. The eggs, of course, had first been + beaten up and the sugar added. Harriet, with her skirt pinned + up, was frying bacon and potatoes until the smoke in the cabin + was so thick as to drive out those who were not actively + engaged in getting the supper. Harriet and Margery stuck to + their posts, Tommy Thompson watched the operations from the + deck, now and then coughing to remind them that she was + there.</p> + + <p>"There, I think everything is ready," announced Buster. "How + soon are you going to finish with the oil stove?"</p> + + <p>"Please do not wait for me. I shall not be done here for + some little time. The coffee isn't ground yet. What part of the + stove do you require for your custard?"</p> + + <p>"The oven, of course. Don't you know how to make + custard?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes." Harriet turned her face from her companion, + apparently to avoid the smoke, but in reality that Margery + might not observe her laughter. "Help yourself to the + oven."</p> + + <p>Margery groped about underneath the oil stove, burned her + fingers and bumped her forehead against the edge of the + stove.</p> + + <p>"If you please, don't knock the top of the stove off. We are + some distance from another stove," reminded Harriet.</p> + + <p>"I—I can't find the oven," wailed Margery.</p> + + <p>"Don't you know why?"</p> + + <p>"No-o."</p> + + <p>"That is strange."</p> + + <p>"Where is the oven?"</p> + + <p>"There isn't any on this stove. Hadn't you discovered that + yet, you silly?"</p> + + <p>"No—oven?" repeated Buster.</p> + + <p>"No. No oven."</p> + + <p>"Then I've mixed my custard for nothing?"</p> + + <p>"I am afraid you have unless you can turn the mixture to + some other purpose."</p> + + <p>Margery stared at Harriet in silence, then carefully setting + the dish on the little shelf above the stove she sat down on + the floor and burst into tears.</p> + + <p>Harriet left her frying pan, and, taking Buster firmly by an + arm, lifted the girl to her feet and led her out to the after + deck.</p> + + <p>"Wha—at are you go—oing to do?"</p> + + <p>"Bathe your face for you and set you down on the deck to + cool off," replied Harriet.</p> + + <p>"You knew all the time that there wasn't any oven," sobbed + Buster.</p> + + <p>"Yes, of course I did. So should you have known. I let you + go on—"</p> + + <p>"Because you are mean," interjected the unhappy Margery.</p> + + <p>"No. To teach you to use your eyes. You should learn to be + observing. Didn't you hear us talking about that oven when Jane + brought home the stove?"</p> + + <p>"Ye—es. I had forgotten."</p> + + <p>"Of course you had. Now get ready for supper. To-morrow I + will make an oven of stones on the shore and you shall make + your custard and you shall have it all to yourself, if you + wish, just to punish us for being so mean to you. Will that + satisfy you, Buster?"</p> + + <p>"Ye—ye—yes," answered Buster, with three + distinct catches in her voice.</p> + + <p>"Come, now, dry your eyes, that's a dear," urged Harriet. + "Tommy!"</p> + + <p>"Yeth?"</p> + + <p>"Will you kindly place the chairs. Supper will be served in + the cabin as soon as the coffee is ready."</p> + + <p>Tommy proceeded noisily about her task of putting the chairs + in place at the table. Soon after that Harriet with a dish + towel whipped the smoke out of the cabin and then announced + that supper was ready. Margery's eyes were red and she had + little to say, but her appetite was unaffected by her late + bitter disappointment.</p> + + <p>"Now tell us of your latest scheme, Harriet," urged the + guardian after they had settled down to their supper.</p> + + <p>"My scheme? Which scheme?"</p> + + <p>There was a laugh at Harriet's expense.</p> + + <p>"There, girls! You see. Harriet has so many schemes and + plans in her head that she doesn't know which is which. I mean + your second scheme for fooling the Tramp Club, Harriet."</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes. I know. I am not going to put it into operation + until to-morrow. You may not approve of it, but I hope you + will."</p> + + <p>"I don't think you have reason to complain of my opposing + your plans, Harriet. To tell the truth, I enjoy them as much as + you. But before we go any further with our discussion, do you + not think it would be an excellent idea to hang a blanket over + that rear door. The light might attract attention from the lake + and bring undesirable persons here."</p> + + <p>"Thank you. I never thought of it." Harriet rose at once. + Selecting a long blanket, she fastened it over the doorway, + after which she drew down the shades. The door at the other end + of the boat opened on to a solid wall of rock, so that no light + could escape from that end. Harriet was about to resume her + seat at the table, when she paused sharply, raising her hand as + a signal for silence.</p> + + <p>"What is it, dear?" asked Miss Elting in a low voice.</p> + + <p>"I heard a shout. There is it again. Did you hear?"</p> + + <p>The guardian and the other girls nodded.</p> + + <p>"It isn't far from here. May I go down to the end of the + creek and find out what it means?"</p> + + <p>"Wait a moment." The guardian turned down the light, then + stepped out to the after deck, followed by the girls. From the + deck they could hear the shouts much more plainly, but the + shouters were too far away to make it possible to distinguish + what they were saying.</p> + + <p>"Yes, you may go, but do nothing imprudent," added Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>"I will try not to do so."</p> + + <p>"May I go with you, Harriet?" asked Jane.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps it would be better for me to go alone." Miss Elting + agreed with this, fearing that the girls might begin to laugh + or talk and thus attract attention to themselves. Harriet + quickly got the rowboat and began pushing her way down through + the overhanging foliage that smote her in the face with every + move of the oar.</p> + + <p>The night was very dark. She had to feel her way along, but + even at that the boat frequently bumped into the bank. Reaching + the lake, she paused to look and listen. Not more than ten rods + above she saw lights on the shore of the island and a light on + the water. A motor boat chugged a few times, the plash of an + oar followed, then more shouts.</p> + + <p>"I simply must find out what is going on there," muttered + Harriet. "I wonder if it can be—Yes, I'll row a little + further along. No one will see me unless I get within range of + the lanterns there."</p> + + <p>Taking careful note of the entrance to their secret creek + that she might recognize the spot when she returned, Harriet + crept to the stern of the rowboat and using one oar as a paddle + propelled the boat through the water as quietly as + possible.</p> + + <p>As she neared the scene of activity the voices of the + newcomers grew louder. Harriet finally ceased paddling and + permitted her boat to drift, steering well into the shadows, + hugging the shore of the island until she could touch it with + an oar. Unless she splashed with the oar, she was reasonably + certain of being able to avoid discovery. The Meadow-Brook girl + was now within a few yards of where the operations were going + on. Her eyes were fixed on the outlines of a launch in which + two persons appeared to be working, when all at once and with a + suddenness that nearly brought a cry to her lips, a canoe shot + out of the shadows directly ahead of her and sped noiselessly + out into the lake. The girl did not even remember to have seen + any one in the canoe so quickly had it appeared and + disappeared. She wondered, too, at the skill that enabled one + to paddle without noise. A gentle ripple—the wake of the + canoe—splashed against the bows of her own boat.</p> + + <p>"Surely, I am not dreaming," whispered the girl. "I must + have startled the man. Who could it have been, and is it + possible that he has been here watching us?" A number of + surmises entered the mind of Harriet Burrell. She collected her + thoughts quickly and held her boat with the oar, for she was + drifting perilously close to the launch. She was now in plain + sight of the campers on shore. She could hear every word that + was uttered there.</p> + + <p>Harriet listened for fully fifteen minutes. All at once, she + swung the rowboat about, leaning her body to one side to assist + in the turning. The second oar that had been laid across the + seats lengthwise of the boat rolled to the other side with a + rumble and a clatter that to her strained nerves sounded like + thunder.</p> + + <p>"Who's there?" called a voice from the launch.</p> + + <p>There was no reply. Harriet, in her haste to get away, + splashed noisily. She heard a quick exclamation, then the sound + of two people jumping into a rowboat. She knew it was the + rowboat she had seen lying alongside the launch. She knew, too, + that the rowers were pursuing her. But even then Harriet did + not lose her presence of mind. Instead of doing so, she dipped + her oars and sent the boat shooting ahead, with the water + rippling away from the bows, making a noise that she feared her + pursuers would hear and thus be able to locate her position + accurately. Harriet had not once glanced over her shoulder, but + her ears were on the alert and by the sense of sound she was + able to gauge the distance between herself and the pursuing + boat.</p> + + <p>"They're gaining on me!" she muttered. "But I'm going to + fool them just the same."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XII'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XII</h2> + + <h3>MAKING AN EXCITING DISCOVERY</h3><br> + + + <p>The Meadow-Brook girl did not dare to go on and enter the + secret channel for fear of exposing the hiding place of the + houseboat. She was watching for some other nook into which to + drive her boat. In case her pursuers discovered her she + determined to jump out and make her escape as best she could, + leaving the boat on the beach. Then a sudden idea occurred to + her.</p> + + <p>Harriet picked up a tin dipper that lay in the boat and that + had been used for bailing. This she hurled as far out in the + lake as she could throw it. The dipper fell with a splash that + was plainly heard both by herself and those in the pursuing + boat.</p> + + <p>"Out there he is!" cried a voice in the other boat. She + heard the pursuers head out. Harriet took advantage of the + opportunity to move her rowboat ahead a few rods. She then + turned it sharply to the shore. The girl was fortunate in being + able to find cover in the overhanging foliage, behind which she + took refuge. The water was quite shallow there. The keel of the + rowboat touched bottom. She heard the grating sound as the boat + grounded, but knew that she was not so firmly aground that she + could not get away.</p> + + <p>The men in the rowboat found neither the dipper nor the boat + of which they were in pursuit. Instead of rowing on, they + craftily turned sharply in toward shore in order to get the + benefit of the shadows. One within the shadow could see out + fairly well, but to one who was out in the lake, the shores and + the water for some rods about were enveloped in blackness.</p> + + <p>"Pull out a little, but keep close to the shore," commanded + a voice. "That fellow played some sort of trick on us and has + gone on. It's curious we didn't hear him. Row fast and I'll + keep watch. If he gets out into the lake we've got him."</p> + + <p>The rowboat shot past Harriet Burrell's hiding place so + close that she might have reached out an oar and touched it. + She was tempted to give the person in the stern of the boat a + poke with her oar, but wisely refrained from doing anything of + the sort. After the boat had passed, Harriet sat perfectly + still, arms folded, a quiet smile on her face.</p> + + <p>"Harriet Burrell, you are a pretty good scout, after all. + You wouldn't have made such a bad Indian. I'll rap on + wood."</p> + + <p>She drummed on the gunwale of the boat. "I hope they won't + go far. The girls will worry if I do not return soon. Still, + Miss Elting will know that there is a good reason for my + remaining away so long. There they come."</p> + + <p>The rowboat was returning. The rowers were moving more + slowly now, talking and wondering as to the man who had been + spying on them. They passed her talking loudly. One of them was + threatening vengeance. The girl waited until they had rowed a + safe distance from her, after which she cautiously pushed her + boat out and began rowing toward home. Harriet was chuckling + under her breath, but her eyes and ears were on the alert. She + had not forgotten that canoe. Any person who could paddle like + that was well worth looking out for.</p> + + <p>Harriet rowed past the entrance to their retreat without + having observed it. But it was only a few moments later when + she discovered her error. She turned her boat more carefully + this time, then rowed it into the secret waterway. So quietly + did she enter that her companions did not discover her until + the nose of her rowboat bumped the scow.</p> + + <p>There was a little scream, quickly suppressed by Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>"Is that you, Harriet?" she questioned, with no trace of + alarm in her voice.</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"You were so quiet about it that you gave me the creeps," + declared Margery.</p> + + <p>"Did you find them, Harriet?" asked Jane.</p> + + <p>"Yes. And they came near to finding me too. They chased me + nearly all the way home. I hid in the bushes and waited. They + passed me and came on this way, I should judge nearly up to the + entrance, after which they turned about and went back. That + isn't the only strange experience I have had since I left you." + Harriet related the incident of the mysterious canoe.</p> + + <p>"What were the men doing?"</p> + + <p>"They were pitching camp. We are going to have near + neighbors," answered Harriet, unshipping the oar and tying the + rowboat to the scow.</p> + + <p>"Of course, you do not know who they are?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, I do. It is George Baker and his friends."</p> + + <p>A chorus of exclamations greeted this announcement.</p> + + <p>"They have come over here to find us. I think we will play + our second trick on them to-night. It won't do to wait until + to-morrow. We will get caught if we do."</p> + + <p>"Those boys certainly are persistent. They must suspect that + we are in hiding somewhere hereabouts."</p> + + <p>"Yes. I wanted them to think so. I did not wish them to + believe we had been drowned and have the entire lakeside out + looking for us. That wouldn't be fun. It is more fun to tease + and tantalize them."</p> + + <p>"Maybe they've got an oven tho Buthter can make her + cuthtard," suggested Tommy Thompson.</p> + + <p>"Please do be quiet, Tommy. We want to hear about the Tramp + Club and what we are to do to outwit them," said Miss Elting. + "Did they bring their tent with them, Harriet?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. At least they have a small tent. I don't believe they + have moved their permanent camp, but they are here in force, + that is certain. Now, I'll tell you about the surprise I + propose to give them."</p> + + <p>Harriet explained briefly. At first the girls were not in + favor of it, but after she had gone into further details they + grew enthusiastic.</p> + + <p>"You certainly do love to work, don't you, Harriet Burrell?" + said Miss Elting with a laugh. "But it is good for you. I like + to see you all active. One is likely to grow lazy on a + houseboat."</p> + + <p>"Not on thith houtheboat," complained Tommy. "It keepeth me + tired out all the time watching other folkth work. My boneth + ache all night long, I am tho tired. When I get home I'll + thleep for a month to make up for lotht time."</p> + + <p>"Had we better start now, Harriet?" asked the guardian.</p> + + <p>"Oh, mercy, no; The boys are up yet and perhaps out on the + lake. I propose that we go to bed, setting our alarm clock for + two o'clock in the morning."</p> + + <p>"Help, help!" moaned Margery. "You'll be the death of + me."</p> + + <p>"Thave me!" murmured Tommy.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XIII'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2> + + <h3>AN EARLY MORNING SURPRISE</h3><br> + + + <p>Half an hour after Harriet had outlined her scheme to + surprise their friends, the girls were in bed. They were tired, + as usual, and went promptly to sleep.</p> + + <p>In the meantime the Tramp Club boys had been busy making + camp. They built up a campfire, and, before going to bed, + cooked some fish that had been caught by one of their number + that day.</p> + + <p>"I don't believe the Meadow-Brook Girls are in these parts + at all," declared Larry Goheen.</p> + + <p>"It's a lark coming over here for a night's camping out, + anyway," answered Billy Gordon, "It is like being real + Indians."</p> + + <p>"We aren't Indians," answered George, "It is those girls who + are the Indians. I'd just like to see any other girls in the + state of New Hampshire make the hike they did that last day we + were on the trail. They may be twenty miles from here by this + time. If we don't find them to-morrow I, for one, shall be in + favor of making a trip around the lake in the launch. We can + pretend that we had to go on an errand, or for some fishing + bait or something of the sort. We mustn't let them know we have + been looking for them."</p> + + <p>It was after midnight when the boys turned in. They, too, + went sound asleep directly they rolled up in their blankets in + their little tent. Two hours later while the Tramp Club were + oblivious to sound and time, the alarm clock on the "Red Rover" + went off with a thrilling whirr. The girls sprang from their + cots, Margery and Tommy protesting over being awakened at that + unseemly hour, as they characterized it. Harriet lighted the + oil stove and put the kettle on. The others went out to the + deck to wash their faces. Harriet, having finished her labors + for the time being, followed them.</p> + + <p>The air was chill at that hour. The girls were shivering, + Tommy's teeth, chattered. She stammered as well as lisped when + she essayed to speak now.</p> + + <p>"One more night like this, and Tommy won't be able to talk + at all," chuckled Jane.</p> + + <p>"My kingdom for another such a night, then!" returned + Margery fervently.</p> + + <p>"Buthter ith too fat to feel the cold," observed Tommy + Thompson. She loved to tease Margery, and to mention her weight + always annoyed Buster. Margery was unable to think of anything + sufficiently irritating to fit that particular case, so she + tossed her head and remained silent, while Tommy's twinkling + eyes were fixed upon her.</p> + + <p>By the time they had washed and dressed the tea kettle was + singing merrily. It was a welcome sound and made the girls feel + almost warm. Miss Elting, being first dressed, made the coffee. + Harriet set out some biscuits, together with the milk and + sugar.</p> + + <p>"Now, I think we are ready," she announced.</p> + + <p>After drinking the hot coffee the girls felt themselves + equal to almost any task. The fire was put out and the light in + the cabin extinguished, then Harriet and Jane stepped + noiselessly into the rowboat after fastening the tow line to + the scow.</p> + + <p>"All aboard," called Harriet softly.</p> + + <p>The "Red Rover" moved to the sound of muffled splashes; then + a few moments later silence settled over the secret + channel.</p> + <hr style='width: 45%;'> + + <p>It was early on the following morning that Captain George + Baker opened his eyes sleepily. He yawned, blinked and sat + up.</p> + + <p>"I guess I'll take an early morning plunge," he decided. "I + won't wake up all day if I don't." Donning his bathing suit he + stumbled out to the lake and permitted himself to fall in. The + captain splashed and paddled about in the cool water for a + quarter of an hour. His companions were still sleeping. George + did not awaken them, preferring to take a solitary swim and rub + down before calling them out.</p> + + <p>At last the captain of the Tramp Club emerged dripping from + the water and ran quickly for the tent. A few minutes later he + appeared dressed for the day. Walking down to the shore of the + lake he gazed across the water then uttered a sudden yell and + began dancing up and down.</p> + + <p>"Come out, fellows! Come out!" he howled, "Look! Look!"</p> + + <p>Larry Goheen, Billy Gordon and the others came tumbling out, + rubbing their eyes and blinking sleepily.</p> + + <p>"What's the row?" cried Billy.</p> + + <p>"Mean shame to play pranks on a fellow when he's dead for + sleep," growled Sam.</p> + + <p>"Now, what did you do it for?" demanded Larry. "Explain, or + in the lake you go!"</p> + + <p>"I've already been in the lake. I'm dressed for the day. But + open your eyes. You are the sleepiest lot of fellows I ever + saw. Why, a baby could stalk you and you'd never hear it say + 'goo.' Come, don't you sleepy-heads see anything that interests + you?"</p> + + <p>Instead of looking out over the lake they were looking at + George.</p> + + <p>"Wait, I'll draw a map of the scene and write a directory to + the map. Even then you'd need a private tutor to explain it to + you. Look over there? Do you see anything? Wait, I'll get the + telescope."</p> + + <p>Following the direction indicated by Captain George's + upraised arm the boys gazed and as they gazed their eyes grew + wide with wonder. Then suddenly an ear-splitting yell rose from + the lips of the Tramp Club.</p> + + <p>"It's the 'Red Rover'!" shouted Sam.</p> + + <p>"We've found them at last, the tramps!" cried Larry Goheen, + his shock of fiery red hair fairly standing on end.</p> + + <p>"We've found them?" scoffed George. "Guess again, Reddy. You + mean they have found themselves for us."</p> + + <p>"Well, what do you know about that?" wondered Billy. "Where + in the world did they come from?"</p> + + <p>"They probably rose from the sea like Neptune," scoffed + George.</p> + + <p>The "Red Rover" lay idly rising and falling on the slight + swell, standing out a glistening flame in the bright morning + sunlight. There were no signs of life on board. The boat was + anchored some distance from the camp occupied by the boys, but + not far out from the shore of the island. Naturally the + houseboat was a little distance from the secret channel.</p> + + <p>"Come on, fellows, let's go out and see them," urged Larry + enthusiastically.</p> + + <p>George gave him a withering look.</p> + + <p>"The girls are not yet up. Can't you see that? A fine + opinion of us they would have, were we to go out there at this + hour. Do you know what time it is?"</p> + + <p>"I can't see well enough in the morning to tell the time of + day," replied Larry, with a wry twist of his mouth.</p> + + <p>"Well, it is a quarter after five."</p> + + <p>The boys groaned.</p> + + <p>"Fine time to get a party of gentlemen out of bed," growled + Sam. "What are we going to do about it, anyway?"</p> + + <p>"You fellows are going to take a cold plunge, then get into + your clothes. We will have breakfast. I will start the fire + while you are bathing."</p> + + <p>The boys hurried into their bathing suits, and with many a + shout and yell, plunged into the lake. They were making all the + noise they could, hoping to attract the attention of the girls + so as to have the opportunity to get out to the houseboat as + early as possible. But eagerly as the lads gazed up the lake, + the houseboat showed no activity.</p> + + <p>"They must be good sleepers over there," said Larry.</p> + + <p>Captain George smiled to himself.</p> + + <p>"They are only shamming," he muttered under his breath.</p> + + <p>Breakfast was served about an hour later. The fire warmed + the boys, and the coffee and food did likewise. After they had + finished their breakfast they were in great good humor. At half + past eight, there still being no signs of life on board the + houseboat, Billy declared that he was going out in the launch + to see if he couldn't stir up something. All hands piled into + the launch. It was a matter of only a few moments to run to the + houseboat. The boys circled the scow slowly, talking loudly. + The windows of the house were open, the curtains flapping in + the gentle breeze, but the doors at either end were tightly + closed.</p> + + <p>Having failed to attract any attention from the "Red Rover" + the Tramp Boys returned to camp, tied up the motor boat and sat + down to watch and wait. Nine o'clock came, then ten, but still + no sign of life on board.</p> + + <p>Captain George grew a little uneasy. He did not know that + the Meadow-Brook Girls had eaten their breakfast more than an + hour before that, and that the girls were watching the boys, + chuckling over the perplexity of the latter.</p> + + <p>Once more the motor boat was taken out. As they neared the + houseboat for a second time they saw Harriet Burrell come out + to the after deck, and stooping over examine the anchor + rope.</p> + + <p>"Halloo, there!" shouted George.</p> + + <p>Harriet paid no attention to the "halloo." Apparently she + did not hear them. George called again, and when Harriet turned + and entered the house, without having once glanced in George's + direction, he grew red in the face.</p> + + <p>"She didn't hear you," chuckled Larry. "You didn't yell + loudly enough. Why didn't you let me give them a roar? I'll + guarantee to attract the attention of any one within half a + mile of me."</p> + + <p>"Run alongside, Billy. I'm going to make somebody notice + me."</p> + + <p>Billy grinned, then steered the launch up close to the "Red + Rover." George rapped on the deck of the scow with a boathook. + He had rapped several times, and was again getting red in the + face when some one appeared. It was Harriet, who finally opened + the door and peered out. Her face wore an expression of + disapproving inquiry.</p> + + <p>"Good morning," called George. The boys took off their + hats.</p> + + <p>"Why, it's George Baker," cried Harriet as though greatly + surprised to see these visitors. "Girls, come out. Here are the + boys."</p> + + <p>The Meadow-Brook Girls hurried on deck.</p> + + <p>"Where have you been?" questioned Miss Elting. "We did not + think you would desert us in this fashion. We have been + expecting you ever since we last saw you."</p> + + <p>George blinked rapidly. The boys glanced at each other and + looked perplexed and uneasy. Somehow, they had a feeling that + they were being placed in an unenviable light.</p> + + <p>"The question is, where have you been?" asked George in as + gruff a tone as he could assume.</p> + + <p>"Where have we been?" repeated Harriet wonderingly. "Are you + joking, Mr. Baker?"</p> + + <p>"No, I'm not joking. We have been worried about you. Where + have you been?"</p> + + <p>"Why, we have been not far from here all the time. And you + mean to tell me that you didn't know where we were?"</p> + + <p>George shook his head. His companions looked sheepish.</p> + + <p>"Did you sail over here so early in the morning to call on + us?" questioned Harriet innocently.</p> + + <p>"No, we are camping over there."</p> + + <p>"Oh! Then you came over to be near us? Isn't that fine?" + laughed Crazy Jane.</p> + + <p>"We—we thought may—maybe the fishing was better + over here," replied George lamely.</p> + + <p>"Oh, thave me!" muttered Tommy, then fled into the cabin + that they might not observe her laughter.</p> + + <p>"May we come aboard?" asked Billy.</p> + + <p>"Not yet, boys," returned Miss Elting in reply. "Our house + is not set to rights for company. Come over later. We should be + pleased to have you."</p> + + <p>"Say. It's hot out here. Suppose we tow you in nearer to our + camp. There will be more shade there too," suggested Larry.</p> + + <p>"Thank you. That will be nice."</p> + + <p>"Come over and have luncheon with us to-day noon," urged + George.</p> + + <p>Miss Elting also accepted this invitation, rather to the + surprise of the boys. Billy, without loss of time, fastened a + line to the houseboat attaching the other end of the line to a + cleat on the after deck of the launch. In the meantime Larry + had jumped aboard the "Red Rover" and hauled in the anchor for + them. The launch then towed the scow up to the camp of the + tramps. Miss Elting motioned for them to draw the boat a little + beyond the camp, which was done.</p> + + <p>"Cast off," shouted Captain Harriet.</p> + + <p>Jane slipped the tow line then let the anchor go over with a + splash.</p> + + <p>"You girls work just like regular sailors," declared Larry + admiringly.</p> + + <p>"We will see you at noon," called Miss Elting. "You needn't + mind to come out for us. We have our rowboat."</p> + + <p>"No. We will come for you with the launch," answered + Billy.</p> + + <p>As agreed, the boys came out with the launch shortly before + twelve o'clock and took the Meadow-Brook party ashore. George, + with an apron tied about his neck, was deep in preparations for + dinner. Harriet and Jane immediately put on their own aprons, + which they had brought along, and went to work, while Hazel and + Margery bustled about assisting Larry and Sam in getting the + table ready. The boys had arranged rustic seats in place of + chairs, and the table, set under the spreading foliage, looked + very neat and attractive.</p> + + <center> + <a href='images/img028-lg.png'><img src= + 'images/img028-sm.jpg' + width='275' + height='427' + alt='George Was Deep in Preparations for Dinner.' + title='George Was Deep in Preparations for Dinner.' + border="0"></a><br> + <small><b>George Was Deep in Preparations for + Dinner.</b></small> + </center> + + <p>That luncheon was one of the most enjoyable that any member + of the party ever recalled having sat down to. No reference was + made to the mysterious appearance and disappearance of the + Meadow-Brook Girls until near the close of the meal.</p> + + <p>"You haven't told us where you have been all the time," said + Captain Baker with affected gayety.</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes, I have. I told you we had been near here all the + time," answered Miss Elting, smiling tolerantly.</p> + + <p>"But how did you get over to this side of the lake? That is + what you haven't told us," spoke up Billy Gordon.</p> + + <p>"You mean that that is what you wish to tell us," replied + Harriet. "You towed us over of course during the night. You + played the first trick and won. But now you must tell us what + became of the 'Red Rover,' the next day."</p> + + <p>"But we can't," exclaimed George. "We hunted—"</p> + + <p>"Of course you did," laughed Harriet. "We were watching you + all the time."</p> + + <p>The faces of the boys grew crimson. Forks were dropped on + plates with a noisy clatter.</p> + + <p>"What's the use?" cried George Baker, getting up hurriedly. + "Fellows, we've got to confess that we're beaten in the first + round by a lot of girls who are a good deal smarter than we + think we are, or than we ever shall be."</p> + + <p>George sat down again and began mopping the perspiration + from his damp forehead.</p> + + <p>"And that isn't all," continued Harriet, laughing. "Unless + you are prepared to tell us just how we got back into the lake + again we shall consider ourselves entitled to the second + honors, too."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XIV'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2> + + <h3>THE MIDNIGHT ALARM</h3><br> + + + <p>The Meadow-Brook Girls shouted with laughter at this speech. + Then, after a few seconds of hesitation, the boys of the Tramp + Club joined in the merriment.</p> + + <p>"You win," replied George. "We can't answer you. Now tell us + how you disappeared so mysteriously, boat and all, and + reappeared just as suddenly."</p> + + <p>"Excuse me, but I don't propose to reveal our methods of + procedure," laughed Harriet. "Oh, you can't outwit us. You will + find us ready for you every time. We know all about last night, + too."</p> + + <p>"I'd certainly like to know where you were last night," said + Captain Baker.</p> + + <p>"We were near you all the time, and you didn't know us," + laughed Harriet. "Even when you came out here yesterday you + passed us by without a single look. You did not see us. Then + last night, when you were chasing some one whom you thought was + spying on your camp, you passed us again, and—"</p> + + <p>"So that was you, eh?" jeered Larry.</p> + + <p>"Who was I?" answered Harriet innocently.</p> + + <p>"The mysterious boat we were pursuing," answered George, + eyeing her keenly.</p> + + <p>"Harriet ith not a boat," averred Tommy.</p> + + <p>"No. She is a mermaid," declared George with emphasis.</p> + + <p>"I beg to differ with all of you," said Sam. "The + Meadow-Brook Girls are the original will o' the wisps. But you + haven't seen the last of the Tramp Club yet. You have won twice + but you shan't win again. Hereafter we'll be on the alert."</p> + + <p>"You'll have to keep a watch on us night and day then," + chuckled Jane.</p> + + <p>"This pleasant spirit of rivalry makes matters interesting," + interjected Miss Elting. "You have been very kind to us and + helped to make our vacation enjoyable. We enjoy harmless fun as + well as yourselves. I might add that we haven't fully exhausted + our resources, either. And we wish to thank you for warning us + of your intentions."</p> + + <p>The boys blushed sheepishly.</p> + + <p>"Sam, you'd better keep still," suggested George.</p> + + <p>"That's what I say," nodded Larry.</p> + + <p>"Yeth, he talkth too much," agreed Tommy wisely. "But you + ought to have been with uth. We've had an awful time, too."</p> + + <p>"How so?" questioned Billy politely.</p> + + <p>"I fell in the water and Buthter made cuthtard and had no + oven to bake it in, and then—"</p> + + <p>"Who is talking now?" demanded Margery.</p> + + <p>Tommy subsided at once.</p> + + <p>"The question is, are you going to run away from us again?" + demanded George.</p> + + <p>"We never have. Remember, we followed you over here," + suggested Jane. "We shall be near here for some time in all + probability. We have plenty of time. After we get tired of this + spot we probably shall move to some other anchorage, but we'll + be here for a few days yet."</p> + + <p>"Keep your eyes open, or you will miss us again and your + last chance will be gone," warned Harriet.</p> + + <p>"We shall keep our eyes open," answered George with an + emphatic nod.</p> + + <p>The luncheon having been finished, Billy suggested that they + spend the afternoon in exploring the island. This suited + Harriet. She wanted to see how familiar the boys were with + their island. So all started out, leaving the dishes to be + washed later. The girls shook their heads disapprovingly.</p> + + <p>"Oh, we have a patent dish washing machine," announced + Larry. "You see, we dump the whole lot of dishes into the lake + after having smeared them with sand. We leave the dishes there + and the waves wash them. All we have to do is to take them out + and lay them in the sun an hour or so afterwards. As soon as + the dishes dry off they are ready for another meal to be served + on them."</p> + + <p>"Ithn't that jutht like a man?" demanded Tommy.</p> + + <p>"This is Willow Island," Billy informed them after they had + mounted a ridge that commanded a view of about a quarter of the + island.</p> + + <p>"It used to be," answered Harriet. "We have rechristened + it."</p> + + <p>"What have you named it?" said Billy, regarding her + inquiringly.</p> + + <p>"We have named it the 'Island of Delight.' How do you like + it?"</p> + + <p>"Great!" shouted the boys in chorus.</p> + + <p>"Have you been all over it yet?" asked Sam.</p> + + <p>"No, we have not," replied Jane, and with truth, for they + had not yet explored the entire island. They were going to do + so that day.</p> + + <p>Harriet wanted to test their woodsmanship, so she skilfully + led the boys toward the spot where the "Red Rover" had been so + successfully secreted during the time the boys had been + searching for them. By making a wide detour Harriet finally + brought up right over the place where the cave and the secret + creek lay.</p> + + <p>Jane turned away that they might not see her laughter. In + the meantime Harriet and George were discussing the beauties of + the place. She gave him every opportunity to discover the + retreat, but George looked about him with unseeing eyes. As a + matter of fact, Harriet admitted to herself that had she not + known that the stream lay below her she never would have + dreamed of its existence.</p> + + <p>There were smiles on the faces of all the Meadow-Brook Girls + when finally they turned away and slowly beat their trail + through the thick growth of vegetation to the lower end of the + island. They spent some time there, sitting on rocks, watching + the boats on the lake. Many admiring glances were directed + toward the girls by the Tramp Club boys who were very much + pleased with the straightforward friendly manner of the + Meadow-Brook Girls.</p> + + <p>Finally they turned their footsteps homeward, reaching the + camp late in the afternoon. Larry ran on ahead and gazed out + over the water.</p> + + <p>"What do you see?" called Jane.</p> + + <p>"I was looking to see if that 'Red Rover' had disappeared + while we were away," answered the red-headed Larry. "You can't + tell about that craft. It's just as likely not to be there as + it is to be there," he added lamely, then flushed when his + companions laughed at him.</p> + + <p>"You're mixed, Larry," jeered Sam.</p> + + <p>"The 'Red Rover' behaves well when we are away," said the + guardian in reply. "We work our spells on it only when we are + aboard. It would be rather embarrassing to have the 'Red Rover' + disappear while we were absent. By the way, we should be happy + to have you young gentlemen come over and take tea with us this + evening. Will you come?"</p> + + <p>George shook his head.</p> + + <p>"No, thank you. Not to tea. There are too many of us. But + I'll tell you what we will do. We will come over later in the + evening and have a visit and another concert. Larry plays the + banjo. He'll give you an Irish jig if you wish."</p> + + <p>"That would be fine," answered Crazy Jane enthusiastically. + "Now, if I only had my automobile horn, what a lot of noise we + would make, wouldn't we, boys?"</p> + + <p>"Bring the banjo by all means," urged Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>The boys assisted their guests into the rowboat which had + been towed ashore behind the launch. The little boat was well + loaded and settled perilously low after all had gotten in. + Gordon shook his head and declared it wasn't safe. Miss Elting + answered that they didn't mind a wetting.</p> + + <p>The rowboat was pushed out, the girls and the boys waving + and shouting their adieus. During the rest of the afternoon the + girls were busy sewing, ironing, getting their clothes in fit + condition. Supper time came all too soon for them. The dishes + were washed and put away with all speed that night, and about + eight o'clock the boys put off in their own rowboat. Larry was + twanging his banjo on the way over. The "Red Rover" was all + alight in honor of their coming, and following the arrival of + the tramps, a jolly evening was spent. Larry played and the + girls sang. Sam essayed to join in, but ceased his efforts when + his companions threatened to throw him overboard.</p> + + <p>The party broke up about ten o'clock. The boys went home + singing "Good night ladies" to the accompaniment of Larry's + banjo. The girls stood on the upper deck watching the lads + until a shout from the shore told the watchers that their + guests had arrived at the camp.</p> + + <p>"Now, what are your plans for to-morrow, girls?" asked Miss + Elting when they had gone below. "Do you wish to go into + retirement?"</p> + + <p>"No. The boys have invited us for a ride in the launch + to-morrow," answered Harriet. "What troubles me is the matter + of leaving the 'Red Rover' alone so long. I think perhaps it + would be better for me to remain here to look after the boat + while the rest of you go on the motor boat trip."</p> + + <p>The girls declared they would not go at all unless Harriet + went with them.</p> + + <p>"That matter already has been settled," replied Miss Elting. + "I am the one who will remain aboard the 'Red Rover.' Harriet, + you will chaperon the girls on the motor boat ride. That will + settle the objections, and you will be every bit as good a + chaperon as myself."</p> + + <p>The arrangement did not wholly satisfy the Meadow-Brook + Girls. All were very fond of their guardian, and they wished + her to have a part in all their enjoyments. They had not fully + decided upon going when they retired.</p> + + <p>"I wonder if those boys are planning anything for to-night?" + mused Miss Elting, a moment after turning out the lights.</p> + + <p>"Yes," answered Harriet confidently, as if she had been + consulted.</p> + + <p>"What?" demanded a chorus of voices.</p> + + <p>"They are planning to go to bed. I saw them fixing the fire, + just before I got into bed."</p> + + <p>"Oh, fudge!" groaned Margery.</p> + + <p>"Thave me!" wailed Tommy.</p> + + <p>Jane suggested that Harriet ought to have a ducking, then + one by one the girls dropped off to sleep.</p> + + <p>The clock that Harriet consulted showed the hour to be ten + minutes after midnight. She had awakened suddenly, and with a + feeling that something were not as it should be. The girl rose + softly, peering through the window. The "Red Rover" was lying + very quietly, there being little movement of the water. No one + was about, nor was there a boat in sight. She stepped out on + the deck, glancing about in all directions, her eyes finally + fixing themselves on the camp of the Tramp Club.</p> + + <p>"Those boys are up and moving about," she mused. "They have + stirred up the fire." Just then the girl heard the rattle of an + oar in a rowboat. The sound seemed to come from the camp. + Harriet watched a few minutes. Then turning quickly she went + inside.</p> + + <p>"What is it?" demanded Miss Elting sharply. "Who is it?"</p> + + <p>"Harriet. Those boys are awake, and, I think, getting ready + to come out on the lake. I believe they are up to + something."</p> + + <p>"What do you suspect?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know. Would it not be wise to awaken the girls and + all get dressed? We don't want to be caught napping, you + know."</p> + + <p>"I should say not," agreed the guardian. She got up and went + to the window. Their conversation had been carried on in so low + a tone that none of the others had been awakened. Miss Elting + gazed keenly; then, bringing her glasses, peered through them + at the camp of the tramps. "Yes, they are up to mischief of + some sort," she decided, lowering the glasses and laying them + aside. "Girls!"</p> + + <p>"Wha—wha-at?" cried Jane, her feet landing on the + floor almost ere the words were out of her mouth.</p> + + <p>Tommy hopped out of bed a few seconds behind Crazy Jane, but + instead of landing on her feet, the little girl went sprawling + on the floor on her face.</p> + + <p>"Thave me! Are we thinking?" she cried.</p> + + <p>"No, you foolish girl. We aren't sinking," answered Harriet + laughing.</p> + + <p>Margery stood shivering in the middle of the cabin. Hazel + had begun to dress.</p> + + <p>"Dress yourselves at once," ordered Miss Elting. "Be quick + about it. They may not be coming here, but if they are, they + will be here in a very few minutes."</p> + + <p>"Who will be here?" demanded Crazy Jane. "Why don't you tell + us what all the uproar is about?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. You might better tell us than to frighten us half to + death in this way," complained Margery.</p> + + <p>"It is the boys. We think they are coming here to play a + trick on us, and if so, we wish to be ready for them," + explained Harriet, who was hurriedly dressing. The girls lost + no time in putting on their clothes, each dressing herself + completely. Their hair, braided down their backs for the night, + was left as it was. There was no time to do anything with + that.</p> + + <p>"The boys are putting off in the rowboat, or at least + getting ready to do so," Miss Elting informed the girls, after + another look at the camp through the glasses. "What shall we + do?"</p> + + <p>"I will fix it," answered Harriet. She rummaged about at the + rear of the cabin, then ran out to the after deck. They heard + her on the upper deck shortly after that. She soon bustled back + into the cabin.</p> + + <p>"They have started. All of you get up on the deck overhead. + Listen! I will tell you briefly what we will do. We will give + the boys a scare that they won't soon forget."</p> + + <p>There were hurried preparations within the cabin of the "Red + Rover," following Harriet Burrell's quick orders, which were + approved of by Miss Elting. The girls then crept to the upper + deck, where they crouched down, peering across the water that + lay between the houseboat and the island.</p> + + <p>"There they come! Not a word from now on, girls," warned + Miss Elting.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XV'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XV</h2> + + <h3>THE ROUT OF THE PIRATE CREW</h3><br> + + + <p>"Take your positions, and don't miss when I give the order + to let go," commanded Captain Harriet. "Oh, we won't do a thing + to those boys!"</p> + + <p>Margery giggled.</p> + + <p>"Silence!" The captain's voice was stern.</p> + + <p>"If you cannot keep quiet you will have to go below," + rebuked Miss Elting. "You will spoil it all. Now, not another + word."</p> + + <p>The silence of sleep settled over the "Red Rover." A gentle + ripple at the bows gave off a soothing, musical sound, but that + was all. The girls were now able to see a boat approaching them + from the island, though unable to make out the forms of the + occupants of the craft. Miss Elting, with glasses in hand, was + studying the approaching boat. Fortunately the night was dark, + though the stars were shining brilliantly.</p> + + <p>"All lie down!" came the quiet command from the captain of + the "Red Rover." All except Harriet flattened themselves on the + deck. The rowboat drew slowly up toward the scow, then was + permitted to drift in the rest of the way. When almost + alongside, the boys in the rowboat decided to go around to the + other side. This nearly upset the plans of Harriet Burrell, but + she quickly moved her force to the opposite side of the deck + near the stern end. Had the boys been sufficiently alert they + might have caught a faint rattle and a scuffle of feet. They + were too intent on their mission, however, to realize that + anything out of the ordinary was going on aboard the + houseboat.</p> + + <p>A whispered conversation ensued in the rowboat, then two + boys got cautiously to the deck of the cockpit. There followed + a period of silence and a low-spoken command from below.</p> + + <p>A mighty yell suddenly broke from the midnight visitors. + Howls and shrieks, Indian war-whoops and beating on the cabin + with sticks, accompanied the shouts.</p> + + <p>"Pirates! Surrender!" howled a voice that was easily + recognizable as belonging to the red-headed Larry Goheen. + "Whoop! Hi-yi-yip yah!"</p> + + <p>"We will settle the pirates," muttered Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Just listen to those lads," chuckled Crazy Jane.</p> + + <p>"Let go!" The command came sharp and incisive. A rattle of + tin dishes followed. Pails and pans were raised to the rail as + five figures stood up suddenly. "Stand by to repel boarders!" + was the second command. Five pans and pails of water were + tilted, sending a flood of water down on the heads of the + surprised "pirates." From a tub of water on deck the pails were + quickly refilled and the water dumped over the rail. Not many + drops were wasted. Nearly every drop reached a pirate.</p> + + <p>Crazy Jane uttered a shrill war-whoop, then the girls + grabbed and shook her. The amazed pirates were in a panic. + Three of them had been left on the lower deck of the "Red + Rover." The rowboat had been quickly pushed off as soon as the + occupants recovered from their first surprise. The three Tramps + made a leap for the rowboat. They landed in the lake with a + splash and went floundering toward the small boat.</p> + + <p>Tommy climbed to the rail and hurled a pan at the beaten + pirates. But in hurling the pan she lost her balance.</p> + + <p>"Thave me!" she screamed. Tommy plunged sideways from the + rail, making a complete turn in the air, landing in the lake + with a mighty splash.</p> + + <p>Harriet dived off after her, fearing that her little + companion might have been stunned by striking the water on her + back. But Tommy came up before Harriet rose from her dive.</p> + + <p>"Oh, thave me!" wailed Tommy in a choking voice.</p> + + <p>All this had happened without the boys understanding what + was going on. They had taken aboard their three companions and + were pulling into the shadow of the island with all speed. Miss + Elting and Jane had run down to the lower deck. The guardian + cast a rope. Harriet and Tommy brushed the rope aside and swam + easily to the end of the boat, where Harriet assisted Tommy up, + afterwards being herself assisted aboard by Crazy Jane. The two + thoroughly soaked girls staggered into the cabin, where Harriet + sat down on the floor, laughing hysterically.</p> + + <p>Miss Elting pulled down the shades and lighted the lamp. She + stood regarding her charges with a quizzical twinkle in her + eyes.</p> + + <p>"What a mess! What a mess," laughed Crazy Jane. "But we + repelled the boarders, didn't we, darlin'?"</p> + + <p>"They won't try to play any tricks on us after this, I am + sure," agreed the guardian. "I'll warrant they are still + wondering what happened to them. But it was too bad. What a + wetting they did get!"</p> + + <p>"Too bad!" exploded Harriet.</p> + + <p>"No. It served them right," interjected Hazel. "Why, they + might have frightened us to death."</p> + + <p>"They will be at our feet to-morrow," giggled Jane. "Tommy, + did you ever have any one fall at your feet!"</p> + + <p>"Yeth. You know Jake Thpooner? Well, he had a conniption + fit, one day, in the thtreet, and fell down right at my + feet."</p> + + <p>"You mean an epileptic fit. But you shouldn't joke about a + serious matter like that," rebuked Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"I wathn't joking. He did. It wath Buthter who laughed. I + didn't. But Buthter ith fat, you know. Fat folkth alwayth laugh + when they thhouldn't. They thhake all over when they laugh. I'm + glad I'm not fat like Buthter."</p> + + <p>Margery's face was flushed and indignant. Her companions + were laughing merrily at her expense. Harriet had gotten up and + was removing her wet clothing. Miss Elting lifted Tommy, who + also had sat down, and gave her a gentle push toward the + dressing room.</p> + + <p>"Take off your wet clothes and get on your kimono. Girls, + you may as well prepare for bed, too. I don't believe we shall + be troubled by pirates again this night," said the guardian, + with a merry twinkle in her eyes. "You will not want to get up + in the morning when you are called. I fear we are losing too + much sleep these nights."</p> + + <p>While they were preparing for bed Miss Elting took a final + look at the camp of the Tramp Club. There was activity there, + but not nearly so much of it as the last time she had examined + the camp through her glasses. The guardian smiled grimly at + thought of the surprise they had given those fun-loving boys. + They had thought to make good their boast to get the better of + the Meadow-Brook Girls, but had met an ignominious defeat.</p> + + <p>"I should not be surprised to see that camp deserted + to-morrow morning," mused Miss Elting. "I hope not. They are + nice boys."</p> + + <p>"Are they coming out again?" asked a voice at the guardian's + side.</p> + + <p>"No, Harriet. I think not. I am just taking a final look + their way before retiring. Did we leave the pails and pans + upstairs?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. Shall I bring them down?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no. It is not necessary. Morning will be time enough. + Now go to bed. We shall not be disturbed again to-night. Good + night, girls. Sweet dreams."</p> + + <p>"And pleathant nightmareth," mumbled Tommy from under the + blanket. She was found curled up in a ball when the guardian + went over to see that the little girl was comfortable for the + night. The light was blown out just as Harriet sought her cot. + Miss Elting was in bed a moment afterwards, and peace and quiet + again settled over the clumsy "Red Rover." This peace, however, + was not destined to last long. It was to be rudely broken ere + the morning dawned. From down the lake a canoe was coming, + propelled swiftly and silently by a pair of muscular arms. The + canoe, if it continued on its present course, would hit the + "Red Rover" fairly on its nose. But just before reaching the + houseboat, the canoe veered to one side a little and the paddle + trailed the water behind. The canoe glided along to one side of + the "Red Rover," then stopped.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XVI'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2> + + <h3>A MIDNIGHT VISITOR</h3><br> + + + <p>The same dark canoe that Harriet Burrell had seen shoot out + into the lake before her the night she was reconnoitering near + the camp of the Tramp Club was now hovering about the + houseboat. It would have appeared almost uncanny to one not + experienced in canoeing to observe the absolute noiselessness + with which the frail little craft was propelled about the + larger boat. When it was turned, it was as though the boat were + swinging on a pivot. When the half of its length was let down + to the water after such a swing, there followed not the + slightest suggestion of a splash.</p> + + <p>Lulled by the gentle lapping of the water against the side + of the boat, the Meadow-Brook Girls slept soundly. On shore the + boys of the Tramp Club also were sleeping. The girls on board + the "Red Rover," as already mentioned, had no fear of a second + attack that night, nor had the youthful pirates the slightest + intention of repeating the experiment that had turned out so + badly for them and so triumphantly for the Meadow-Brook Girls. + It was quite evident that the newcomer did not belong to the + Tramp Club. His face looked dark and swarthy in the moonlight. + He had straight black hair and high cheek bones and there was a + revengeful light in his sharp black eyes as he scanned the + silent houseboat.</p> + + <p>Once more the canoe shifted its position and slid to a point + directly under one of the little windows. The window was open, + the curtains were streaming out through the opening. The + intruder stood up in his canoe without disturbing its balance + in the least.</p> + + <p>Just about this time Tommy Thompson awoke with a little + gasp. She had been dreaming that Buster, in the guise of a + pirate, was trying to smother her with a sofa pillow. Tommy had + been skirting the edge of one of the "pleathant nightmareth" + she had prophesied for the girls on retiring. She sat up in bed + and rubbed her eyes. Suddenly she uttered a terrified + scream.</p> + + <p>For the second time that night the Meadow-Brook Girls + scrambled from their beds in alarm.</p> + + <p>"Tommy, Tommy, what is the matter?" cried Harriet, springing + to the little girl's side.</p> + + <p>"I thaw the motht terrible fathe," moaned Tommy. "Oh, thave + me."</p> + + <p>"Nonsense, Tommy," laughed Harriet.</p> + + <p>"You've just had one of those nightmares you were talking + about when you bade us good night."</p> + + <p>"No, thir," reiterated Tommy. "I thaw thomething. It wath a + man and he thtood right in front of the window. You thee I wath + dreaming that Buthter wath a pirate, and wath trying to + thmother me with a thofa pillow and all of a thudden I that up + in bed and thaw thith fathe looking in the window at me. That + ith why I thcreamed," concluded Tommy, with dignity. "I didn't + have the nightmare. I tell you I thaw a fathe."</p> + + <p>"How ridiculous," sniffed Buster. "How could she see a face + when we are away out here on the lake. Why look!" she + continued, stepping to the window. "It's bright moonlight, and + there isn't a boat to be seen on the water."</p> + + <p>"Buthter doethn't know what I thaw," retorted Tommy angrily. + "Thhe hathn't my eyeth hath thhe? Buthter maketh me tired."</p> + + <p>"There, there, girls," reproved Miss Elting. "That will do. + Harriet, I think you and I had better dress, then get into the + rowboat and do a little investigating. Perhaps some prowler has + visited the boat while we were asleep. Light the lamp, Jane, + and we'll see if all our belongings are safe."</p> + + <p>Jane and Hazel made a rapid search about the boat while + Harriet and Miss Elting were dressing. Meanwhile Tommy and + Margery sat on the edges of their cots and conducted a spirited + argument as to whether Tommy really had seen a "fathe" at the + window.</p> + + <p>"All ready," called Harriet as she ran to where the rowboat + was fastened. Then she gave a little cry of alarm that brought + Miss Elting and the others to her side on the run.</p> + + <p>"What is it, Harriet?" cried the guardian.</p> + + <p>Harriet stood looking out over the water, a piece of rope in + her hand. "Some one has stolen our rowboat," she gasped. "See, + the rope has been cut."</p> + + <p>"Then the Tramp Club must have come over here again in the + night and stolen it," decided Miss Elting. "Still that would + hardly account for the face Tommy saw at the window, and she is + positive that she really saw some one. I am inclined to think, + however, that she had the nightmare, and simply dreamed about + that frightful face."</p> + + <p>"I can't see that there is anything particularly clever or + original about stealing a rowboat in the dead of night," said + Harriet slowly, "and I don't believe that the boys would think + so either. There is something peculiar about this affair and I + believe that the Tramp Club have had nothing to do with this + latest puzzle."</p> + + <p>"That ith what I think," agreed Tommy. "It wathn't thothe + boyth that thcared me tho."</p> + + <p>"Nothing has been stolen from the boat," declared Hazel, "so + it looks as though our midnight prowler vanished when he heard + Tommy's first scream."</p> + + <p>"I'm going to mount guard for the rest of the night," + announced Jane. "It's half past two now, and by five o'clock it + will be light. The rest of you can go back to bed, and if any + one else comes sneaking around this boat, he'll have to come + forward and state his business to Jane McCarthy."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XVII'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2> + + <h3>A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE</h3><br> + + + <p>It seemed to the tired girls as though they had hardly + closed their eyes when they heard Jane call out: "Seven + o'clock. All hands on deck."</p> + + <p>"I'm tho thleepy," murmured Tommy as she struggled into her + clothes.</p> + + <p>"I'm pretty near dead," growled Hazel. "I think I'll never + get rested."</p> + + <p>"Do let's hurry and have breakfast," pleaded Margery, "I'm + so hungry."</p> + + <p>"Chronic thtate," murmured Tommy.</p> + + <p>"I don't have nightmares and wake every one up in the middle + of the night," retorted Margery, "even if I do get hungry + sometimes."</p> + + <p>"My nightmare wath utheful, Buthter," returned Tommy calmly. + "It helped uth to dithcover that our boat wath gone. But your + appetite ithn't the leatht bit utheful, not even to + yourthelf."</p> + + <p>"I'll never speak to you again, Tommy Thompson," declared + Buster wrathfully.</p> + + <p>"That maketh me feel very thad, Buthter," replied Tommy + sarcastically.</p> + + <p>Breakfast was prepared and eaten in record time that + morning. Then the dishes were speedily washed and put away. The + Tramp Club's camp showed no activity until after eight o'clock, + when the smoke from their cook fire was observed curling up + through the foliage on the shore of the Island of Delight. A + long-drawn "Hoo-oo-oo" from the camp told the girls that they + had been observed by some of the boys.</p> + + <p>Before nine o'clock the launch put out and sailed rapidly + over to the "Red Rover."</p> + + <p>"We didn't come to call. We just ran over to see what time + you wished to go for a sail?" asked Billy Gordon.</p> + + <p>"Come right on board, boys. We finished our work shortly + after daylight this morning. You see we are early risers," + replied Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>The lads needed no urging. They hopped to the after deck of + the houseboat. But no sooner had they come aboard than they + perceived that something was amiss. George glanced at Harriet + inquiringly.</p> + + <p>"What's the matter with you girls, this morning?" he asked + lamely.</p> + + <p>"We had considerable excitement here last night. We were + visited by pirates," said the guardian.</p> + + <p>The boys flushed guiltily.</p> + + <p>"But that is not all," added Jane McCarthy. "We were visited + later in the night by a real thief."</p> + + <p>"Wha—at!" gasped George, somehow feeling that they + were involved.</p> + + <p>"We will tell you all about it. Come upstairs, where we can + sit down in comfort and talk. Perhaps we may ask you to assist + us in finding the thief," said Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>The boys followed the girls to the upper deck, and after + they had seated themselves Miss Elting related what had + happened. "Now, boys," she concluded, "have you the remotest + idea as to who could have taken the boat?"</p> + + <p>For a moment George stared at the guardian in silence, then + he said gravely, "Perhaps you think, Miss Elting, that one of + us sneaked over here last night. I'll admit that we did play + pirates, and got the worst of it, but none of our fellows left + camp after we got back from that pirate trip. There is + something strange about this, and it looks to me as though you + had a really malicious enemy."</p> + + <p>"That is what I think," replied Harriet. "You know, of + course, of our previous experiences. Some one is seeking to + drive us away. To me it is the work of a man who for some + reason is our enemy. I thought we had given him the slip, but + he has found us again."</p> + + <p>"I will tell you what to do, ladies," spoke up George after + pondering the subject briefly. "You had better run your boat + right up on the shore at one end of our camp, where we can keep + our eyes on you. When you wish to move we will move with you. + In that way you will have no further trouble."</p> + + <p>"You boys wouldn't be of any help to us," interrupted + Jane.</p> + + <p>"Why not?" demanded Larry Goheen, bristling.</p> + + <p>"Because you sleep too well."</p> + + <p>"I don't believe I should dare to spend a night on that + island," said Harriet Burrell, regarding the shores of the + Island of Delight with troubled eyes.</p> + + <p>"Why not?" repeated Larry.</p> + + <p>"There are strange things there," said Harriet, pointing. + "Haven't you seen them?"</p> + + <p>"Good gracious, no," answered Billy. "What do you mean, Miss + Burrell?"</p> + + <p>"Ghosts!" answered Harriet, leaning toward their guests. The + boys fairly jumped at the words, then laughed heartily.</p> + + <p>"There aren't any such things," scoffed George. "Besides, if + there were, do you think we men would be afraid of them? I + guess not. I'd like to see the ghost that I would be afraid of. + You bring out your ghosts! We'll show you how quickly we will + lay them."</p> + + <p>"Oh, I can't bring them out," murmured Harriet. "I thought + perhaps you had seen them."</p> + + <p>"Have you?" demanded Sam, turning on her sharply.</p> + + <p>"Oh, don't ask me," begged Harriet, in such apparent + distress that Sam did not question her further.</p> + + <p>"What's this that Harriet is telling you?" asked Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>"She's been seeing things, and thinks it queer that we have + not, too," answered George. "I wish we might. Then you don't + think you would like to run the boat ashore at the camp, so as + to be where we can look after you?"</p> + + <p>"I should not mind. But the girls think they are able to + take care of themselves, and I must say that I agree with them, + George. Don't you think they are?" asked the guardian.</p> + + <p>"They beat any boys I've ever seen. But then, you see, there + are a lot of us fellows, and then again, your enemies won't be + so bold when they know there are men around the premises," + declared George pompously.</p> + + <p>Harriet turned her head away that they might not see her + laughter.</p> + + <p>"Any way, let us tow you in closer to shore," urged + George.</p> + + <p>Harriet shook her head.</p> + + <p>"Thank you, but we will fight our own battles. If we find we + are getting the worst of it we will scream for you. That is, if + you are able to see us. You gentlemen are short-sighted at + times. The very idea of your hunting all over the lake for us + when we were here fairly before your eyes! Look out that you're + not so careless as to lose us again. Remember it will be the + winning stroke for us."</p> + + <p>Harriet's manner was so superbly disdainful, yet there was + so much pity in her tone, that the boys flushed painfully.</p> + + <p>"You won't lose us again the same way—don't worry + about that," George Baker retorted, with some heat. "But when + are you going for a ride in the launch with us?"</p> + + <p>"Why, I think we are ready now," smiled Miss Elting. "For + one, I would like very much to go to Wantagh, if you will be + kind enough to take me there. Harriet, I have changed my mind + about remaining with the 'Red Rover' and I shall accept your + suggestion to leave you as watchman on the 'Red Rover.'"</p> + + <p>"By all means, Miss Elting," replied Harriet.</p> + + <p>"I don't like to see you remaining alone," protested Hazel, + as she stepped, half-reluctantly, into the launch. "I know + you'll be dreadfully lonesome."</p> + + <p>Harriet, however, was far from lonesome. It was really + pleasant to be all by herself for a little while.</p> + + <p>When the launch reached Wantagh the girls promptly went + shopping, with the exception of Jane, who went to engage a + rowboat, and Miss Elting, to hunt up Dee Dickinson. It was an + uncomfortable half hour for Dee, for Miss Elting reported the + loss of the rowboat and said very plainly to him that she + believed he understood the cause of the persecutions the girls + were undergoing. Still, Dee could not be made to talk freely. + Miss Elting left him, dissatisfied.</p> + + <p>"That man knows the cause of our troubles, and he simply + won't tell me," said the guardian indignantly to herself, as + she walked away. "And just a hint or two might enable us to + save ourselves a good deal of annoyance, and even protect us + from real dangers. I wonder what it all means."</p> + + <p>She said nothing to the girls about having seen Dickinson, + when finally she joined them at the pier. The girls had filled + every available space in the boat with their purchases and the + new dingy was fastened to the stern. The run back in the late + afternoon was a delightful one. When they came in sight of the + "Red Rover" they uttered cries of delight. The "Red Rover" + looked like a huge flame in the sunlight.</p> + + <p>"It doesn't seem possible that such a boat could be lost + sight of anywhere, does it?" questioned Jane brightly, turning + to Captain Baker.</p> + + <p>"No," he answered gloomily. "And it won't be again."</p> + + <p>"You can't tell, you know. It may disappear from the face of + the waters this very night."</p> + + <p>George looked at Billy. Jane had given them a hint that they + were not slow to catch. They did not know that she was teasing + them for the very purpose of making their surprise greater when + it did come.</p> + + <p>The boys left their passengers at the "Red Rover" and then + sailed over to their own camp. The girls were glad to be back. + The houseboat had come to be a real home to them, one that they + would be sorry to leave when their vacation came to an end.</p> + + <p>Jane had purchased a dozen colored lanterns in town. As soon + as darkness fell, these were lighted and strung above the upper + deck. The interior was brightly lighted, so that the "Red + Rover," that evening, stood out more prominently than anything + else on that part of the lake. Later in the evening, after + having disposed of their work, the girls took out the new + rowboat and rowed slowly round and round the "Red Rover" + singing. The boys came out at that and joined them. Together, + the two boats drifted about until the hour grew late and Miss + Elting called to the girls that it was time to come in. They + responded promptly. The boys rowed up alongside and holding to + the gunwale of the "Red Rover," chatted for a few moments.</p> + + <p>"So long! We will see you in the morning," called George as + they pushed the rowboat off.</p> + + <p>"Yes. In the morning—maybe," answered Harriet + laughingly.</p> + + <p>"It's my opinion that those girls are going to try to play + more tricks to-night," declared Billy, after they had gotten a + short distance from the "Red Rover." He was speaking in a tone + louder than he imagined. Harriet heard every word he said.</p> + + <p>"Yes," agreed George. "I'll tell you what we'll do. We'll + put a boy on watch to-night. Then, if they try to run away from + us, we will just follow and give them a surprise. We can't let + those girls get the better of us this time."</p> + + <p>That was the last that Harriet heard. They had rowed so far + away that their words were inaudible. But what she had heard + was quite sufficient.</p> + + <p>"And about those ghosts?" questioned Larry.</p> + + <p>"A bluff," scoffed George. "You don't believe in ghosts, do + you?"</p> + + <p>"Well, I don't know. I have heard of such things," admitted + Larry solemnly.</p> + + <p>"Nonsense. I guess we will elect you to watch the houseboat + to-night. How about it?" demanded George.</p> + + <p>"I don't care."</p> + + <p>"But don't you dare go to sleep."</p> + + <p>"What if I do?"</p> + + <p>"You will get a ducking," interjected Sam. "You will get + your distinguished head held under water until you're wide + awake."</p> + + <p>The plan, however, was put into operation soon after their + arrival at the camp. They watched the "Red Rover" together + until all the lights except the anchor light, had been put out. + They knew, by this sign, that the Meadow-Brook Girls had + retired for the night. The Tramp Club then went to bed, leaving + Larry on guard. All he could see of the "Red Rover" was the + anchor light, the night being very dark and a little hazy. But + he never lost sight of this anchor light for more than a few + moments at a time. Were the girls to get away without his + discovering it he knew what to expect at the hands of his + companions. Then again, Larry Goheen prided himself on his + keenness. It would be very humiliating to be outwitted by the + girls. He, with the rest of the boys fully believed that the + girls were planning some trick for that night.</p> + + <p>Larry watched that anchor light until just before the break + of day, when he called Sam to come out and take the watch until + breakfast time. The daylight had not yet become pronounced + enough to make out objects distinctly, but shortly after Sam + took the watch the day broke bright and clear. The anchor light + seemed to fade away and merge into thin air before his very + eyes. He did not stop to reason that this was because the + morning light had become stronger than that of the lantern.</p> + + <p>Sam blinked and rubbed his eyes. He could hardly believe + what they told him. He uttered a yell that brought his + companions out on the run.</p> + + <p>"What's up?" shouted Billy.</p> + + <p>"Everything. They've tricked us! They've gone!" cried + Sam.</p> + + <p>"They have, I do declare," added George in a hushed tone. + "When did they go?"</p> + + <p>"Just now. I saw them."</p> + + <p>"You were asleep," rebuked Billy.</p> + + <p>"I wasn't! They disappeared! They went up in thin air."</p> + + <p>Just then they were interrupted by a long, piercing wail + that seemed to come from the air above and around them. The + boys gazed into each others faces.</p> + + <p>"It's a banshee's wail," whispered Larry. "Somebody's going + to die."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XVIII'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> + + <h3>A FRUITLESS SEARCH</h3><br> + + + <p>"Don't be an idiot, Larry," rebuked If Billy Gordon. "Don't + you know what that was?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. I told you," whispered the red-headed boy.</p> + + <p>"Pshaw! It was only a cat bird," scoffed George Baker. + "Who's afraid of spooks, anyway? The fact is that those girls + have outwitted us three times. We have lost the wager. Now the + question is, when did they get away?"</p> + + <p>Larry declared that he had never removed his gaze from the + anchor light during his whole watch, except when he went to get + wood for the campfire.</p> + + <p>"There's only one way out of it," decided Billy. "Duck the + two of them. We will be certain to get the right party + then."</p> + + <p>"'Nuff said," nodded George. The boys grabbed the two lads, + and, despite their struggles, managed to throw them into the + lake, but in doing so, George and Billy found themselves in the + water, also.</p> + + <p>This little experience put them in a better frame of mind. + The lads quickly divested themselves of their wet pajamas and + put on their clothes. Breakfast was a hurried meal that + morning. After breakfast they sat down to take counsel among + themselves while Sam scraped the dishes then threw them in the + lake to be washed by the lake itself. They decided that either + Larry or Sam must have fallen asleep, and that at a time when + the girls had moved from their anchorage.</p> + + <p>Both lads protested that nothing of the kind had happened. + Sam stuck to his story that the anchor light had faded away and + that the "Red Rover" had disappeared all in the same + moment.</p> + + <p>"What are we going to do about it?" questioned Larry + Goheen.</p> + + <p>"We are going to take up a collection for that camera, and + then we are going to find them," answered Billy.</p> + + <p>"We are going to try, you mean," answered George with a + mirthless smile. "We have tried before—and failed, and + now we are obliged to confess that we are beaten for good and + all. However let us reason this thing out. The 'Red Rover' + couldn't have disappeared, it could have gone only by being + towed away. If a launch had towed it, the noise would have + awakened us, even though Larry or Sam had been asleep. If the + houseboat was towed by the girls, which it undoubtedly was, it + can't be far away. That makes our work easier."</p> + + <p>"There is only one flaw in your argument, George," + interrupted Billy Gordon. "Granting that they did row away from + here, how do you know that at daylight they did not pick up a + launch and hike half the length of the lake?"</p> + + <p>George shook his head slowly.</p> + + <p>"There wouldn't be any fun for them in that. They would want + to be on hand, to make faces at us behind our backs."</p> + + <p>"You may be right at that." Billy gazed reflectively over + the lake. As he gazed his eyes took on an expression of new + interest. "What's that out there, fellows?" he demanded.</p> + + <p>It was some seconds before they discovered that which had + attracted his attention. Then when they did so, they were + unable to decide what it was. They were certain that the object + had not been there the night before.</p> + + <p>"That's right where the 'Red Rover' lay," cried Larry + Goheen. "Maybe they have sunk."</p> + + <p>The boys with one accord ran for the rowboat. They shoved it + off, leaped in and began rowing at top speed toward the object + that had attracted their attention. Larry began to grin long + before they reached the spot. They finally pulled up alongside + the object and stopped.</p> + + <p>The boys regarded it solemnly, then looked into each other's + eyes. There followed a shout of laughter.</p> + + <p>The object that had been discovered by them was a stick, + which had been thrust down into the soft bottom in shallow + water. A lantern had been tied to the top of the stick. It was + this lantern, at the end of a stick, that Larry Goheen had been + watching all night, believing it to be the anchor light of the + "Red Rover." It was plain that the girls had known that they + were to be watched, and that they had taken the easiest + possible way to outwit their friends, by placing the anchor + light on a stick and leaving it at the anchorage while the "Red + Rover" slipped away unobserved under cover of the darkness.</p> + + <p>"Stung!" groaned Sam.</p> + + <p>"Worse than that," answered George. "There aren't any words + in the language to express what we'd like to say. Wait till I + get the lantern." The lantern was still burning and the chimney + was considerably smoked. George took it aboard and blew out the + light. "You didn't see it go out after all, Sam."</p> + + <p>"I—I thought I did."</p> + + <p>"I wonder when they left?" mused Billy.</p> + + <p>"Larry, what have you to say about that?" demanded George + Baker.</p> + + <p>"Absolutely nothing."</p> + + <p>"They went away during your watch."</p> + + <p>"You can't blame him," answered Sam. "Anybody would have + been fooled under the circumstances."</p> + + <p>"Don't try to make lame excuses," jeered Billy. "Be a man + and own up. They outwitted you, and that's all there is about + it. Now, what are we going to do?"</p> + + <p>"Get out the launch and go on a hunt for them," declared + George. "Any one got a better plan?"</p> + + <p>No one had. They had no plans at all, but were too dazed by + this last trick that had been played on them to be able to + think at all clearly. They reached the shore and George stepped + out. His foot had no more than touched the ground before that + same wailing cry rang in their ears again.</p> + + <p>"I tell you it's a banshee," cried Larry, his shock of red + hair fairly standing on end.</p> + + <p>"We will attend to the ghosts after we have found the 'Red + Rover'," answered George. His face had paled slightly at the + sound, and he admitted to himself that he felt creepy. He was + glad that they were going away from their camp for a time. It + was evident that whatever the noise might be, it was intended + to express disapproval of their presence on the island. George + remembered what Harriet Burrell had said about ghosts on the + previous evening. He had laughed at it at the time. He did not + laugh now. He was thinking and thinking seriously.</p> + + <p>No further cries were heard that morning. The boys put out + their campfire and set the camp to rights, Billy in the + meantime being engaged in cleaning and oiling his motor + preparatory to the morning run around the island and along the + shore of the mainland.</p> + + <p>It was not exactly a joyous party that set out in the launch + half an hour later. They were chagrined at losing the contest + and disgusted that they should have fallen such easy victims to + the ingenious schemes of the girls.</p> + + <p>"Do you know, I have been thinking," spoke up Larry after + they had started.</p> + + <p>"That's something new," jeered Sam.</p> + + <p>"I have been wondering if all the strange things that have + occurred to the girls haven't been part of a plan to keep us + stirred up."</p> + + <p>"Larry, I'm ashamed of you," exclaimed George indignantly. + "Those girls may be full of mischief, but they don't tell lies. + They told us the truth, about their mysterious enemy, and I + don't want to hear any boy intimate that they haven't. He and I + will have a falling out right on the spot, if he does."</p> + + <p>"I apologize. I—I guess I didn't mean it that way," + stammered Larry.</p> + + <p>"They are too clever for us, that's all there is to it," + added George. "Run into that cove, please, Billy. There is + something that looks like a red boat in there."</p> + + <p>The something proved to be a small boathouse painted red. It + did resemble the "Red Rover" somewhat. They headed out of the + cove, saying little, but keeping up a lively thinking. The + launch was run up the shore of the mainland for several + miles.</p> + + <p>"Shall I turn back?" asked Billy.</p> + + <p>"You might as well," nodded George. "I would suggest that we + circle the island once more. Shut down as low as you can. We + must keep a sharp lookout. There may be some way of getting a + boat out of sight. I am positive that they are about here + somewhere."</p> + + <p>The encircling of the island was attended with no better + results. Not a trace of either Meadow-Brook Girls or "Red + Rover" was discovered. Disgusted and disappointed the boys + headed the launch toward home.</p> + + <p>"I'll tell you what we will do," declared George as they + were landing. "We will spread out and search the island. I + can't get the idea out of my mind that they are not far + away."</p> + + <p>"But what would they do with their boat? It isn't anywhere + in the lake about here, and surely they couldn't drag it + ashore," objected Billy.</p> + + <p>"I don't know. I am beginning to think those girls can do + almost anything they set out to do. They are a clever lot. I + never knew them to start anything yet that they didn't go + through with, usually ending up by giving us the worst of + it."</p> + + <p>Sam hopped ashore first and ran up to the tent. He peered + in, then uttered a yell.</p> + + <p>"Somebody's been here," he cried. "Wow!"</p> + + <p>The boys hurried up to the tent. The interior was in + confusion. The contents of the tent had been piled in a great + heap in the middle of the floor. A suit of khaki had been + draped over sticks and leaned against the side of the tent, + looking like a live man at first glance. Outside an oven had + been constructed of rocks, and a fire put under it. On a flat + stone the coffee pot stood ready. The table had been set, the + potatoes pared and sliced ready for frying, in fact everything + was ready for the noon meal with the exception of the + cooking.</p> + + <p>The boys looked at each other then burst out laughing.</p> + + <p>"We've had company," grinned George.</p> + + <p>"I wish they would come every day," added Larry. "They have + sense whoever they are, even if they turn our tent topsy-turvy. + But wait. We've got those girls now. We know they are somewhere + about, and we'll find them if it takes all day and all night to + do it."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XIX'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2> + + <h3>THE TRAMP CLUB FINDS A CLUE</h3><br> + + + <p>"Hello! What's this?"</p> + + <p>Larry, stooping over, picked up a piece of filmy linen.</p> + + <p>"A handkerchief, isn't it?" asked Sam.</p> + + <p>"Let me see that, please," demanded George Baker. Larry + handed it to him. "It's a girl's handkerchief, boys. And here + are two initials in one corner. Hello! 'H.B.' What does that + stand for?"</p> + + <p>"It stands for 'Have Been'," declared Larry. "Meaning that + they have been here. But they needn't have told us. We know + that."</p> + + <p>"Yes; they've been here," replied George promptly. "Those + initials stand for 'Harriet Burrell.' They mean that the + Meadow-Brook Girls have been here and turned our tent upside + down. But they made amends by getting our noon meal started. I + suppose we had better forgive them. What do you say, + fellows?"</p> + + <p>"Of course," nodded Billy. The others agreed.</p> + + <p>"Miss Burrell, having no card, left her handkerchief. But + fellows, while we are fussing around here, they may be getting + away again. This may be another of their tricks," declared + George. "I would suggest, Billy, that you eat your luncheon at + once, then run out the launch and keep sailing around to head + them off in case they are running away."</p> + + <p>To this proposition, Billy demurred. He did not fancy going + away by himself.</p> + + <p>"I'll tell you what I'll do," he proposed. "I'll eat + luncheon with you first. They can't get far away before I get + out, and even if they did I should overhaul them. You know that + old scow can be seen for miles."</p> + + <p>"I notice we weren't able to see it a few rods from us," + observed George dryly. "All right. Start the potatoes to + frying. Did they hide the ham?"</p> + + <p>"They didn't find it. It's in the spring back there," + answered Sam. "I looked."</p> + + <p>The luncheon was prepared in a hurry and the boys ate + ravenously. The excitement of the morning had not interfered + with their appetites.</p> + + <p>"Now, Billy, if you see anything, blow your motor horn and + keep it going until we hear it. Some of us will hear you. I + propose that we spread out so as to cover the island, but still + keeping within yelling distance of each other. We know now that + the girls are on this island."</p> + + <p>"Well find them." Billy walked slowly down to his launch, + got in, and reversing the engine, backed out, waving an + indolent hand at his companions.</p> + + <p>Suddenly a weird scream rang out on the still air.</p> + + <p>"Run for it, boys. That way," cried George, pointing + excitedly.</p> + + <p>"No! It's the other way," shouted Sam.</p> + + <p>"You're both wrong. It's toward the other side of the + island," declared Larry.</p> + + <p>"Now look here, fellows. We are all of us wrong. If we are + going to accomplish anything we must stop fooling and go at + this business scientifically. I will take this side of the + island. Sam, you and two of the fellows take the middle, and + Larry the other side, keeping within sight of the shore. We + will search every inch of it, though I don't believe we can + finish the job before night."</p> + + <p>"We had better take our lanterns with us, or we shall break + our precious necks," suggested Sam.</p> + + <p>"Yes. We will do that. Larry, when you catch sight of Billy + on the other side, beckon him in and tell him we may not be + back until late this evening, and for him to keep circling the + island until he finds us back in camp again. Better take some + grub along. We can stand it to eat a cold supper for once. We + will have a warm one when we get back."</p> + + <p>After having made their preparations the boys started out, + all the others waiting until Larry got a good start, Sam's + party starting next, George Baker leaving the camp last. In + that way they planned to keep pretty nearly abreast.</p> + <hr style='width: 45%;'> + + <p>About this time Crazy Jane McCarthy, face flushed, hair + down, her skirt torn in several places, might have been seen + fleeing along the shore of the island, running away from the + Tramp Club's camp and toward their own secret nook, where the + "Red Rover" was lying calmly at anchor in the half cave that + had furnished a hiding place for the girls before.</p> + + <p>She came tearing through the bushes nearly falling into the + lower end of the stream.</p> + + <p>"They're coming!" she shouted. "Get to cover!"</p> + + <p>"Sh-h-h!" warned Hazel, who sat awaiting Jane, in the + rowboat. "I hear a motor boat outside. I think it is the boys' + boat."</p> + + <p>"I tell you they are on their way to search the island," + answered Jane.</p> + + <p>"All of them?"</p> + + <p>"All but Billy Gordon. He has gone off in the launch to keep + an eye on the shore."</p> + + <p>"Then that is his boat out there. Get in here. I am worried + that Harriet is still out."</p> + + <p>Just then a soft "hoo-e-e-e" from the bushes on the opposite + side of the stream, told them that Harriet Burrell had + returned. She had been out on a scouting expedition. Hazel + rowed over to the other side of the creek. Harriet jumped + aboard. Jane, in excited whispers, told her that the boys were + coming and that Billy was out in the launch.</p> + + <p>"I know. I saw him just a few moments ago. What are their + plans?"</p> + + <p>Crazy Jane explained what she had been able to hear when she + was observing the Tramp Club's camp. She had seen Larry pick up + Harriet's handkerchief, though she was not aware that it was + Harriet's.</p> + + <p>"That is where I lost it, is it?" laughed Harriet. "It is + all right. That will encourage them. If they go on beyond here + they will find other evidences that will lead them still + further on. You see I wanted to get them as far away from home + as possible so as to keep them out after dark."</p> + + <p>Hazel manipulated the rowboat until they were in the deep + shadows of the rocks, after which they climbed aboard the "Red + Rover." Harriet explained her plans to her companions and + directed them to keep as quiet as possible in case any of the + searchers should come that way. The girls had pulled the + houseboat into the secret retreat on the previous night. They + had kept a watchful eye on the boys all the morning, to see + what they were planning to do, and Jane had given the lads the + creeps by uttering wild, weird cries in the depths of the + forest.</p> + + <p>Harriet and Jane cooked themselves something to eat. They + had been out for a long time and were hungry. Their companions + and guardian were sitting about chatting with them. Miss Elting + was of the opinion that they were much better off in their + hiding place than at an anchorage out in the lake, always + provided that their enemy did not find them out. Harriet agreed + with her, but thought they would be in a serious situation if + their unknown enemy were to find them. He had shown evidences + of keenness that made the finding of the "Red Rover" appear to + be a simple task for him. That he would annoy them further, the + girls were positive; that he already had located them was more + than possible.</p> + + <p>Splash!</p> + + <p>Their conversation was suddenly checked. A stone had dropped + but a few feet from the rear end of the "Red Rover," falling + into the creek. Harriet laid a finger on her lips. Tommy had + started to speak, but checked herself in time. Harriet and Jane + crept to the door of the houseboat and peered out. As they did + so a second splash startled them. This time they saw the stone. + It was a good-sized rock. It fell some feet below the rear end + of the "Red Rover." Some one was sounding the thick growth + there. Who it was, they discovered a moment later.</p> + + <p>"There's water down there, but it's shallow. I can tell by + the splash," announced a voice above them.</p> + + <p>"It's George," whispered Jane.</p> + + <p>"I'll take a look along the shore on my way back. There may + be an inlet that we haven't seen," continued George Baker, + talking to himself.</p> + + <p>Jane gripped an arm of her companion.</p> + + <p>"If he does, we shall be discovered," she whispered.</p> + + <p>"Never mind. We will have scared them off long before then. + He will strike the trail I left for them, before long, if he + keeps straight on. That will mean that he will go right on and + that he will call to the others to join him when it begins to + get dark. You know the island begins to narrow a short distance + beyond here. Won't it be funny to see them following that + trail? And what a surprise they will get before they have + finished with this day's work." Harriet chuckled. She had been + whispering. She paused suddenly as a pebble rattled down within + a foot of the stern of the "Red Rover."</p> + + <p>"They're getting rather close," whispered Jane.</p> + + <p>"Captain Baker kicked that pebble down. He is going away. Do + you hear him?" George was whistling to himself as he tramped + away toward the other end of the island. They heard him call to + his companions shortly after that and shout some directions to + them. Then nothing more was heard from the boys for the rest of + the afternoon.</p> + + <p>The girls discussed the situation with Miss Elting. The + guardian decided that all the girls save one should remain on + board the scow. One, she agreed, might go out to reconnoitre. + If the boys returned before dark it would be well to know about + it. Their further plans depended upon the immediate actions of + the Tramp Club. Harriet was the one who was chosen to keep + watch of their rivals.</p> + + <p>She began at once to make her preparations, tying her hair + in a tight knot on top of her head and drawing a waterproof + bathing cap over all.</p> + + <p>"I am going to protect my hair," she smiled in answer to the + unspoken question in the eyes of her companion. "Those bushes + pull out a few strands every time I go scouting among them. + I'll imitate the sound that a crow makes if I see them coming + back," she added. "No one must go out in the meantime. All we + can do is to keep quiet and wait. We've already won the camera. + We will have our fun when night comes, however, and if we don't + give those boys the fright of their lives I shall be keenly + disappointed."</p> + + <p>"Which way shall you come back?" asked Jane.</p> + + <p>"The way we came in. Don't have the boat wait for me down + there. If I have to come back in a hurry I will wade. + Meadow-Brook Girls aren't afraid of the water, you know."</p> + + <p>"We know," answered Miss Elting, smiling, "but be careful + that you don't fall and hurt yourself. Good-bye. I will have + the sheets and other things ready by the time you return. We + have the poles here. I do hope we get an opportunity to use the + stuff now that we have been at so much pains to get it ready. + You see, I am just as anxious to play this trick as the rest of + you girls."</p> + + <p>Harriet laughed merrily at the prospect of the coming fun, + then stepped out into the rowboat that Hazel had pulled close + to the stern of the houseboat. A few moments later Hazel left + her companion on the west bank at the lower end of the little + stream. Harriet slipped away through the bushes almost + noiselessly. If everything worked smoothly the Tramp Club were + to receive an overwhelming surprise.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XX'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XX</h2> + + <h3>JANE PLAYS EAVESDROPPER</h3><br> + + + <p>Two hours later the Meadow-Brook Girls were startled to hear + a voice directly over their heads call:</p> + + <p>"Girls, girls."</p> + + <p>"Who is it?" asked Miss Elting cautiously.</p> + + <p>"It's I. I'm up here, right where we heard George Baker + talking this morning."</p> + + <p>"You nearly thcared me to death!" gasped Tommy.</p> + + <p>"Speak more quietly, please," warned Harriet. "Jane, I wish + you would come up here. No; I'm not going to take you far. I + want you within reach of the boat."</p> + + <p>"Do you see anything of the boys, Harriet?" asked Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>"No, but I hear them occasionally. They are quite a distance + ahead, traveling fast, and ought to be back long before + dark."</p> + + <p>Jane lost no time in hurrying to the lower end of the creek + in order to join her friend. Harriet lay on the rocks, at a + point where she could not see the water, and there Jane joined + her.</p> + + <p>"What I want you to do," Harriet explained in whispers, at + the same time on the alert for sound or sign of the boys, "is + to stay here, or not far from here, so that you can warn the + girls in case I signal by making a cawing noise like a crow. I + don't want the girls to make too much noise, for it would spoil + our fun if the boys should discover our hiding place."</p> + + <p>"But how am I going to get back if I have to do so in a + hurry?"</p> + + <p>"Can you go down a rope?"</p> + + <p>"Show me the rope that I can't go down," boasted Jane.</p> + + <p>"How about this one?" smiled Harriet, producing a coil of + quarter inch manila rope.</p> + + <p>"Well, it's small, but I'll try it. Where do you wish me to + climb?"</p> + + <p>"I'll show you. Take hold of my feet and don't you dare let + go. I surely shall break my neck if you do." Harriet crawled + over the edge, Jane grasping her by the ankles to prevent her + from falling. Then Harriet tied one end of the rope to a root + of a tree that stood on the brink. "Look out below!" she + warned, at the same time dropping the coil through the foliage + and shaking the rope until the coil finally dropped into the + stream. "Please draw the rope up to the boat," she called. + "That's it. Now pull me back, Jane."</p> + + <p>Jane McCarthy did so with some assistance from Harriet, who + clawed at the roots of the tree and pushed with her hands until + she finally got to the top once more. Reaching there she got up + and surveyed the work with approval.</p> + + <p>"Can you see the rope, Jane?"</p> + + <p>Miss McCarthy shook her head.</p> + + <p>"If you have to go down it be careful that you don't fall + before you get to the rope. Now do you understand?"</p> + + <p>"Do I? This is going to be great fun. Won't the boys be + surprised when we play our great trick on them?"</p> + + <p>"Provided they do not surprise us first," answered + Harriet.</p> + + <p>"Where are you going?"</p> + + <p>"To follow George Baker's trail for a time. I can't tell + beyond that what I shall do. It will depend upon circumstances. + Remember the signal. I'm off now."</p> + + <p>Jane watched Harriet slip away. There was undisguised + admiration in the eyes of Jane McCarthy. Not a sound could she + hear from her companion, so silently did the latter move away. + After Harriet had gone, Jane called down to her friends that + she was going to move from the spot and that they should keep + quiet.</p> + + <p>The hours passed slowly for Jane. She was too active to care + to sit down calmly and wait when there were things to be done, + so Jane decided that she too would explore a little on her own + account. She started slowly, edging down nearer to the shore, + thus taking a different course from that followed by her + companion, toward the upper end of the island.</p> + + <p>Jane had been gone about an hour when she heard voices + directly ahead of her. She glanced about in quest of a safe + hiding place. Not knowing exactly the direction that was being + followed by those whose voices she had heard, she decided to + run toward home. A shout from behind her at that juncture told + her that at least one of the party had gotten between her and + the hiding place of the "Red Rover."</p> + + <p>Without an instant's hesitation Crazy Jane ran to a low, + bushy tree and climbed up in its foliage with almost the + quickness of a cat. Her clothes suffered, but she did not care. + Her sole desire now was to get out of sight as quickly as + possible. She would never forgive herself if she were to be the + means of their being discovered. As yet she had heard no + warning cry from Harriet Burrell.</p> + + <p>Jane had hardly secreted herself in the foliage of the tree + when another hail sounded between her tree and home.</p> + + <p>"Is that you, boys?" It was the voice of George Baker.</p> + + <p>"Yes," answered Sam. "What's up?"</p> + + <p>George made his way toward them. Jane could hear him forcing + his way through the bushes.</p> + + <p>The two parties met in an open space a short distance from + the tree that held Jane. She was straining every muscle to get + a glimpse of them.</p> + + <p>"Some one has been along here since I passed," declared + George. "I found a footprint in the moss over there, and it was + a woman's."</p> + + <p>"So did we find the same thing," answered Larry. "There's + something queer about this whole island. I feel spooky all the + time. Did you hear any one?"</p> + + <p>"No."</p> + + <p>"Well, I did. Some one threw a stone at me. It dropped right + at my feet."</p> + + <p>Jane giggled softly. Harriet had been playing tricks on + them. She wondered where Harriet was. Jane would have given the + signal, but dared not do so. In the first place she was not + sure that she could imitate a crow so as to deceive a person, + and in the second place the boys were too close to her to run + any chances.</p> + + <p>"They are here, all right, boys," cried George. "I was + certain of it all the time."</p> + + <p>"It may be spooks," answered Larry Goheen.</p> + + <p>"Well, just let them come out. I guess we can take care of + any spooks that we shall find on this island. But we must get + busy again. It will soon be dark. Spread out, fellows. I'll + tell you what we'll do. Taking that tree there for a + centre"—waving toward the tree occupied by Crazy Jane + McCarthy—"we will circle about, making the circle larger + each time we start out."</p> + + <p>"Wait. I'll climb the tree and take a look around," + interjected Sam. He started for the tree. His hands had grasped + it ere Jane realized that hers was the tree meant. For once in + her life Crazy Jane McCarthy was at a loss to proceed. She did + not know what to do. But George unknowingly came to her + rescue.</p> + + <p>"Never mind the tree. It's too low. You can't get high + enough to look over the tops of the bushes. You come along as I + suggested."</p> + + <p>"How ever am I going to get out of this?" muttered Jane. + "Won't Harriet be cross when she finds I've quit my post and + gone out on my own responsibility?" Her further reflections + were interrupted by a loud "caw, caw, caw!"</p> + + <p>"What's that?" cried Larry in alarm.</p> + + <p>"It's a crow, you tenderfoot," jeered George. "Didn't you + ever hear one before?"</p> + + <p>"Harriet!" exclaimed Jane under her breath. "She has + discovered where the boys are. She's giving me warning and I + dare not answer her. What shall I do?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, I have heard crows, but I never heard a crow with a + voice like that," answered Larry. "I'll bet it's no more crow + than I am."</p> + + <p>Once more the crow cawed. This time the bird's voice sounded + much farther away. Jane reasoned it out when she said to + herself that Harriet had probably turned her head away or else + had cawed in a lower tone to deceive the boys, who were now + moving rapidly away, making as many circles as there were boys + in the party.</p> + + <p>Jane dared not get down from the tree, but she began moving + about, seeking a better position from which she might look the + ground over. If the boys got far enough away she might try to + run, but then there was the probability of meeting their + rivals, no matter which way she sought to escape.</p> + + <center> + <a href='images/img088-lg.png'><img src= + 'images/img088-sm.jpg' + width='275' + height='428' + alt='Jane Dared Not Get Down From the Tree.' + title='Jane Dared Not Get Down From the Tree.' + border="0"></a><br> + <small><b>Jane Dared Not Get Down From the + Tree.</b></small> + </center> + + <p>The crow cawed again.</p> + + <p>"I tell you that isn't a crow," shouted Larry.</p> + + <p>"Go on, go on!" called George.</p> + + <p>Jane listening intently, concentrating her attention on what + was being said, rather than what she was doing, lost her + footing. She grasped frantically for a limb and caught one. But + the limb did not hold. It snapped and came away in her + hand.</p> + + <p>Crash! She landed on a bunch of small limbs and branches. + She went right on through them, tearing off leaves with frantic + hands in her efforts to get hold of something that would stop + her progress. The foliage checked her fall a little, but not + sufficiently to prevent her falling the rest of the way.</p> + + <p>A yell from Larry Goheen, an answering shout from George, + and another from Sam, told that the boys had heard the fall. + They began running toward the tree, with shouts of triumph.</p> + + <p>"We've got somebody," yelled George. "Look sharp, + fellows."</p> + + <p>"I'm on the job," howled Sam.</p> + + <p>"Get clubs. It may be a spook," howled Larry.</p> + + <p>The Tramp Club surrounded the tree, keeping their formation + as well as possible, not forgetting that their prey might slip + away from them did they not guard all sides. As yet they did + not now who or what that prey was. A moment later they halted + with exclamations of surprise.</p> + + <p>Directly beneath the tree in which Jane McCarthy had been + hiding stood a man. He was dark and swarthy, with high cheek + bones and jet black hair. He was an Indian half-breed. The + fellow stood scowling, regarding the boys with angry eyes. + Broken limbs and scattered leaves showed where Jane McCarthy + had fallen from the tree, and broken bushes also showed where + she had floundered after reaching the ground.</p> + + <p>The Tramp Club gazed at the scowling face of the half-breed + in speechless amazement.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XXI'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XXI</h2> + + <h3>A DOUBLE SURPRISE</h3><br> + + + <p>"Who you?" growled the strange man.</p> + + <p>"We—we—" began Larry.</p> + + <p>"I beg your pardon, sir. You aren't the person we were + seeking," apologized George Baker.</p> + + <p>"Who you look for?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, a friend of ours. I am sorry if I disturbed you. Were + you up in that tree?" demanded George, a sudden thought + occurring to him. He wondered if this questionable-looking + half-breed had been up there while they were holding their + conference a short time before that.</p> + + <p>The fellow made no reply. He stood regarding them with + inquiring, suspicious eyes until the boys grew restless under + his scrutiny.</p> + + <p>"Well, you needn't look at us that way," declared George, + flushing under the steady, disconcerting gaze of the stranger. + "We don't know you and you don't know us, and I guess you don't + own the island. Come on, fellows."</p> + + <p>The boys started away, trudging thoughtfully towards home. + As for Jane McCarthy, the instant she reached the ground, she + had scrambled to her feet and darted into the bushes, where she + threw herself on the ground, breathing heavily, waiting for + what might come. What did come amazed her. She saw the man dash + up and glance hurriedly about him. It was evident that her fall + had attracted his attention, and that he had run to the tree, + hoping to catch some one. Gazing at him through the bushes, the + girl decided that he must be an Indian. She gazed at him long + and earnestly, forgetting for the moment her own precarious + position.</p> + + <p>Then the boys came. The half-breed stood scowling after them + as they hurried away. At this juncture the "caw" of a crow was + heard again. He started slightly, bent his head and listened, + but there was no repetition of the signal, for which Crazy Jane + McCarthy was devoutly thankful. It was plain that he knew it + was not a crow, that he understood it to be a signal of some + sort.</p> + + <p>The half-breed suddenly turned, starting toward the shore of + the lake at a brisk pace, worming his way through the bushes + with almost no disturbance at all, even at the swift pace he + was keeping up.</p> + + <p>Jane had lost her fear now. The boys had gone on out of + sight and sound and the intruder was hurrying toward the lake. + The girl, however, did not dare to run. She feared to meet the + Indian, so she crept along cautiously. It was but a short + distance to the shore of the lake. She reached there after + having followed the Indian's trail. Jane was just in time to + see the fellow launching a canoe. It was a dark green boat, + showing long and hard usage.</p> + + <p>The fellow leaped in and sent the boat well out into the + lake with a single stroke of the paddle, after which he glided + up the lake, keeping close in shore under the partial + protection of the foliage. Fortunately Jane had thrown herself + down again immediately on seeing him, else he might have caught + sight of her. That he was a man experienced in the woods, as + well as on the water, was plain to be seen. She watched him out + of sight, then hurried back to the spot where she had met with + disaster and gave the crow signal. It was not much of a + success. She repeated it and did better. Jane called several + times. Then she jumped clear off the ground at the sound of a + voice behind her.</p> + + <p>"Jane McCarthy! What are you doing here?"</p> + + <p>"Harriet!"</p> + + <p>"Yes, it's I. But what on earth have you been doing?"</p> + + <p>"Di—did you see the man?" gasped Jane.</p> + + <p>"Wait a moment. I don't understand you. What is it about a + man?"</p> + + <p>"I—I was in the tree there when the boys came back. I + heard them coming and climbed the tree to hide."</p> + + <p>"I was doing the same thing."</p> + + <p>"I—I fell out of the tree—"</p> + + <p>"Gracious! They didn't discover you, did they? I heard them + shouting and running, and wondered what they had + discovered."</p> + + <p>"No. I dived into those bushes and lay down. Just then a man + appeared. He looked to me like an Indian. He is a dangerous + man, Harriet. When the boys came up and found him standing here + you ought to have seen the expressions on their faces. Oh, it + was funny."</p> + + <p>"Which way did he go?" questioned Harriet eagerly. She was + not laughing now. Another idea had occurred to her.</p> + + <p>"Down to the lake. I followed him and saw him get into his + canoe and paddle away."</p> + + <p>"A canoe, did you say?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. It was an old thing, but, my goodness, how it could + go! And the man paddled without making a sound. I never saw any + one handle a canoe like that."</p> + + <p>Harriet gazed at her companion, the lines of her face + contracting.</p> + + <p>"Jane," she said, "I saw that man myself. It was the night I + rowed out to see who was making camp near us. He shot out ahead + of me in his canoe and disappeared. I must have disturbed + him."</p> + + <p>"But who—what?" gasped Jane.</p> + + <p>"I believe he is the man who has been following us and + trying to drive us away. I can't think of any other reason for + his acting as he has. He undoubtedly knows that we are + somewhere about, and has been looking for us just as the boys + themselves have been doing."</p> + + <p>"Good gracious," muttered Crazy Jane. "I'm sorry I didn't + stay on the boat."</p> + + <p>"And I am glad you did not. You surely have discovered + something. Would you know the man if you were to see him + again?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"Then we will see if we can't discover him again. I believe + we are getting near to a solution of the enemy that has been + following us. Either we must settle him or he will do us some + injury. I am glad the boys saw him, too. I am going to suggest + to Miss Elting that we go back to our old anchorage to-morrow. + To-day we have other plans on hand. And that reminds me. It is + getting dark and it is time we were getting back to the boat. + We will go down the rope when we reach there. Come."</p> + + <p>The two girls hurried along, keeping a sharp lookout, not + knowing but that the boys might be lying in wait for them. They + reached the rocks above the houseboat. All was quiet below. + Jane went down the rope first, landing in the creek. Harriet + did the same, and none of their companions discovered either of + them until Jane had climbed aboard the boat and appeared + dripping before them.</p> + + <p>"Here we are, girls," laughed Jane.</p> + + <p>"Did you discover anything?" asked Miss Elting eagerly.</p> + + <p>"We did."</p> + + <p>"Tell us what happened," urged the guardian.</p> + + <p>"The boys found the false trail we made, as well as the one + we did not wish them to find. They nearly discovered Jane, too. + She sat in a tree while they made their plans nearby. Then Jane + fell out of the tree."</p> + + <p>The girls shouted.</p> + + <p>"And what do you think?" continued Harriet. "The boys were + only a short distance away. They hurried to the scene, and when + they got there they found—"</p> + + <p>"Jane," finished Tommy.</p> + + <p>"No. A man. A half-breed from what Jane says. He went away + in a canoe. He did not see her."</p> + + <p>Miss Elting regarded Harriet reflectively.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I think it was the same one," said Harriet in answer + to the guardian's unspoken question. "It is evident that our + presence here is suspected by others than the Tramps. I would + suggest that we carry out our plans to-night, then move away + from here to-morrow."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XXII'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XXII</h2> + + <h3>SPOOKS OF THE LONESOME ISLE</h3><br> + + + <p>"Yes, I know the way. I could go there blindfolded," + answered Harriet, in reply to a question from Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>The hour was nine o'clock in the evening. The night was very + dark, though the stars were shining. It had been decided that + Margery and Tommy should remain on board the "Red Rover," + putting out all lights and locking the doors, though no anxiety + was felt about them, as there was scarcely a chance that their + presence would be discovered, provided the girls remained + quiet.</p> + + <p>The paraphernalia for the evening's enterprise was carefully + loaded into the rowboat; then, with final admonitions to Tommy + and Margery to keep silent and not be afraid, the party set out + in the rowboat for the entrance of the creek. They paused there + long enough to make certain that no one was about, after which + they rowed along the shore a short distance and made a landing + at a point where the ground was fairly level.</p> + + <p>"Now be very quiet," whispered Harriet. "Remember the signal + to return to the boat is one long caw. Two caws in quick + succession mean 'hurry.'"</p> + + <p>"We shan't be far apart, shall we?" questioned Hazel, + somewhat apprehensively.</p> + + <p>"No. Within speaking distance," replied Miss Elting. "Leave + it to Harriet and Jane to make the first advance. We will + follow when the time is right. It is fortunate that we left + Tommy and Margery at home. Are you ready, Harriet?"</p> + + <p>It was a silent party of four shadowy figures that made its + way cautiously along the shore of the island for some little + distance. The party then turned sharply to the right and + disappeared among the bushes that marked a slight rise of + ground. Reaching this rise they turned to the left and once + more proceeded straight ahead.</p> + + <p>The lights of a campfire were soon distinguishable between + the trees. The party was nearing the camp of the Tramp Club. + The time to prepare for their final triumph was at hand.</p> + + <p>"Now, Harriet," urged Miss Elting in a half whisper.</p> + + <p>"Yes. I will go around to the other side of the camp. That + will be the most difficult position to get away from, so I am + choosing it for myself. Jane, you will remain here, while Miss + Elting and Hazel will take a position halfway between us. You + see that will enable us practically to surround the camp. After + you hear me, wait a moment, then give them a thriller."</p> + + <p>Harriet, accompanied by the guardian and Hazel, stepped + promptly away. After going on for some distance, the girl + directed Miss Elting and Hazel to stop and remain where they + were, except that they were to separate, yet keep within easy + call of each other. This detail arranged, Harriet went on.</p> + + <p>According to previous arrangement, Jane, Miss Elting and + Hazel gradually crept nearer to the camp, continuing until they + could make out the figures of the boys quite plainly. The + latter were sitting about the campfire. Their attitude was one + of dejection. They had been outwitted and they knew it.</p> + + <p>"If we don't find those girls to-night, then to-morrow + morning we'll get out of here," announced George. "They know + that they have won and we'll let them come and tell us so + rather than hunt all summer for them."</p> + + <p>"What about that half-breed?" asked Sam. "I think we'd + better find out who he is. I didn't like the looks of that + fellow a little bit."</p> + + <p>"Neither did I," agreed George. "Queer we never saw him + around here before."</p> + + <p>"You must remember this is a large lake," Billy informed + them. "He probably is a fisherman who hangs out on the island, + and who resented our encroaching upon his preserves. I think I + saw the same fellow once in a canoe, but he was so far away + that I don't think I would know him were we to meet face to + face."</p> + + <p>"There are too many mysterious things on this island," + averred Larry Goheen, with emphasis. "I, for one, shall be glad + to get away from it. I know there are spooks here."</p> + + <p>"Spooks!" jeered George. "Who's afraid of spooks? + Who—" George's voice trailed off almost into a whisper. + "I heard something," he exclaimed.</p> + + <p>"So did I," added Larry, nodding.</p> + + <p>A laugh, a distinctly human laugh, shrill and mocking, was + wafted to them. The boys gazed questioningly at each other. + Larry glanced about apprehensively. Then out of the night came + the most weird, most demoniacal laugh any member of the Tramp + Club ever had heard.</p> + + <p>The boys sprang to their feet.</p> + + <p>Other laughs, accompanied by shrieks, followed each other in + quick succession. The laughs seemed to come from all quarters. + It was difficult to say from just what particular point any one + of them did come.</p> + + <p>"Spooks!" yelled Larry Goheen, bolting toward the lake. + Billy caught and jerked him back.</p> + + <p>"No, you don't," growled Billy. "We stand together."</p> + + <p>"I don't want to stay here," chattered Larry. "I never try + to fool people with fake courage when I know that running is my + one best course to pursue."</p> + + <p>"Is there a lunatic asylum in this part of the country?" + asked Baker. "Can it be possible that any of the inmates have + escaped."</p> + + <p>Billy Gordon shook his head. "Nothing as easy as that," he + sighed.</p> + + <p>"Great Scott! There it goes again!" breathed Larry. "It's + down that way, too," pointing in the direction taken by Harriet + Burrell.</p> + + <p>It was a long, weird wail, well calculated to freeze the + marrow in one's bones.</p> + + <p>"Come on, fellows!" cried George, with a fine showing of + resolution. "We'll lay that ghost!"</p> + + <p>George was the only one of the boys who thought to snatch up + a club as he ran. But now the unearthly sounds came from the + rear, instead of ahead of them. The boys wheeled abruptly, only + to hear right in front of them a dismaying chorus of ghostly + noises.</p> + + <p>"Let's go!" urged Larry. "It's surely a lot of + banshees!"</p> + + <p>"Great Scott! Look!" quivered Sam, pointing with trembling + finger.</p> + + <p>In the faint light the boys made out a white figure that + might have been anywhere from seven to ten feet in height. The + boys were too scared to judge of length. The awful thing raised + its draped arms, a frightful scream sounding on the air.</p> + + <p>At that Billy lost his grip on Larry's arm. Goheen made no + apologies, but made a straight, swift dash for camp.</p> + + <p>The other boys hesitated for a few brief seconds; then they, + too, headed for camp. They were not exactly running. They were + leaping like as many frightened rabbits, fleeing from a rabbit + hound. In their haste they lost their way and were proceeding + directly toward the spot where Jane McCarthy was standing.</p> + + <p>Jane finally heard them coming. She was filled with glee. + She had feared that she was not to have an opportunity to play + an important part in this ghost party. Making a noise like a + ghost did not wholly satisfy Crazy Jane McCarthy. What she + wanted was something more exciting. Her opportunity came very + quickly. The boys were nearly up to her, ere she realized that + they were so close.</p> + + <p>A wild wail halted them.</p> + + <p>"Come on, you fellows!" yelled George to his faltering + companions.</p> + + <p>"There it is!" howled Sam.</p> + + <p>He had espied another figure that looked exactly like the + first ghost. George discovered it at about the same time. + George made a brave rush toward the figure, yelling to frighten + it. But Crazy Jane was not easily frightened. She advanced + slowly, waving the long, draped arms, and moaning. All at once + something came down on the head of George Baker, just as he had + raised his club to hurl it at the ghost. The something was a + long tough stick in the hand of Jane McCarthy.</p> + + <p>George uttered a howl and sprang back. The ghost advanced on + him. Billy got a light tap, then Sam yelled as something damp + brushed his cheek. He did not know that it was the leaf of a + bush. He thought it the cold, clammy hand of the ghost.</p> + + <p>The boys having gotten more than they had looked for, began + to retreat. Sam was the first after Larry to run. He did so + with all speed, followed closely by George and Billy. They were + confused. They did not know just where the camp was located. + Glancing over their shoulders they saw that the ghost was + pursuing them. The boys began to shout anew, and to run even at + greater speed.</p> + + <p>"There's some more of them," howled Sam.</p> + + <p>"Yeow!" yelled George. He sprang to the left, in which + direction he believed the camp lay, then he halted. Another + ghost was confronting him. George hesitated. The ghost uttered + a moan. The brave George Baker, captain of the Tramp Club, took + to his heels. The others did the same, except that each took a + different direction. Wherever they ran they were followed by + moans and screams, principally from the lips of Crazy Jane + McCarthy.</p> + + <p>It seemed to their excited imaginations that the woods were + full of ghosts of giant stature, with voices capable of making + one's hair stand on end. The worst of it was that the ghosts + persisted in pursuing them. They chased the brave Tramp Club + right into camp, where the lads arrived one by one. Instead of + stopping the boys bolted for the launch, in which the + frightened Larry Goheen already had sought safety.</p> + + <p>"Cast off," yelled George, the last to leap into the + boat.</p> + + <p>The launch was shoved from the shore and allowed to drift + while the boys sat shivering, listening to the wails from the + forest.</p> + + <p>"Good-bye," answered Sam.</p> + + <p>"Fellows, we are all cowards," declared George, beginning to + get control of himself. "We should have staid and knocked them + out."</p> + + <p>"I'll go back, if you say so," answered Billy promptly.</p> + + <p>"No. I've got enough of this place. To-morrow morning we + break camp and go back to the other camping place. No more + ghost parties for mine."</p> + + <p>"As long as we have decided to move why not go now," + suggested Larry.</p> + + <p>The boys discussed the matter briefly, then decided that + they would. Sam was put on guard to watch for the return of the + ghosts while the others hurriedly broke camp. But there were no + more ghostly moans nor ghostly intruders that night.</p> + + <p>The ghosts in the persons of the Meadow-Brook Girls were on + their way to their rowboat. Beaching it they sat down and + laughed until their eyes were wet with tears.</p> + + <p>"It was a mean trick to play on them," gasped Miss Elting. + "But I think we have more than won our wager. It is a wonder + that they didn't suspect us."</p> + + <p>"There goes a boat!" cried Jane. "It's a launch."</p> + + <p>"It is the boys. We have frightened them off," answered Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>The girls rowed quickly home, but ere they had reached the + entrance to the secret creek they were startled by the sound of + a shrill scream. They recognized the voice as Tommy's and began + to shout, and to row with all their might. A moment later, just + as they were about to turn into the opening with their boat, a + canoe shot out and darted across their bows, disappearing in + the darkness.</p> + + <p>"A man, a man!" yelled Tommy as Harriet shouted to know if + the two girls were all right. Tommy threw open the door and in + her excitement walked off the after deck of the "Red Rover" and + fell forward into the stream.</p> + + <p>"Jane, do you recognize that man?" cried Harriet + excitedly.</p> + + <p>"Yes," exclaimed Jane, "he's the man I saw this afternoon, + and he's our mysterious enemy too, or my name's not Jane + McCarthy."</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XXIII'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> + + <h3>ON A STORMY CRUISE</h3><br> + + + <p>It was late on the following forenoon when the Meadow-Brook + Girls might have been observed towing the "Red Rover" out from + the creek in which it had been anchored. They decided that it + was high time to leave.</p> + + <p>During their absence, and while they were frightening the + Tramp Club with sheets draped over sticks and carried high + above their heads, Tommy and Margery had been having an + exciting experience. They had been anxiously peering out of the + cabin, when after an hour or so they discovered a canoe + approaching the scow. At first they thought it one of their own + party who was paddling the canoe. They soon discovered that it + was a man. The girls were too frightened to do more than watch + him in almost breathless silence. But when the man climbed + aboard the after deck, after satisfying himself that the boat + was deserted, they decided that it was time to move.</p> + + <p>Tommy uttered a scream. Margery followed suit and their + cries had been heard by the returning ghost party. The man did + not tarry to see who had screamed. He sprang into the creek, + where, pushing his canoe ahead of him, he ran down the stream. + He had then leaped in and had given the paddle the first swift + sweep when discovered by Harriet and her party.</p> + + <p>Miss Elting was really alarmed when she heard their story. + She decided to sit up all night and watch. Jane and Harriet + kept watch with her. They did not retire until daylight, after + which they got a few hours of sleep. Then came a late breakfast + and the preparations for departure. They were going back to the + other side of the lake, where they intended to tie up at their + old anchorage near the main camp of the Tramp Club.</p> + + <p>After dragging the houseboat out and finding a suitable + anchorage, Harriet rowed over to the mainland. Running up to + the farmhouse she telephoned to the nearest town for a launch + to come down and give them a tow. Billy Gordon and his motor + boat were not on hand for the purpose this morning.</p> + + <p>When about eleven o'clock a launch came down the coast in + search of them the wind had risen and the lake was rough. It + was an old boat and did not look as though it could stand much + weather. The man running the boat said there was rather a stiff + sea on the other side of the island, but he thought he could + make it. Miss Elting said she would give him five dollars if he + would take them across. He made fast to the "Red Rover" and + started.</p> + + <p>Once they had rounded the island they did not think the + waves would be very high. Being protected by a point of land + they did not get the full force of the wind. Nor did they + realize what a chance they had taken until they had gotten well + out into the lake. There the gale struck them with full force. + Harriet grew really alarmed. She feared the "Red Rover" was not + strong enough to stand up under it. Margery was seasick and the + others also felt the effects of the gale.</p> + + <p>The "Red Rover" was now pitching more violently than ever. + Jane was gazing at the launch wide-eyed, expecting every moment + to see it take a dive, not to come up again. Everything movable + in the "Red Rover's" cabin was being hurled about. The oil + stove long since had tipped over, glass was being smashed, + dishes broken, pieces of each of these were rattling over the + floor. Miss Elting decided that they would be better off + outside.</p> + + <p>Harriet protested against their going on the upper deck, + saying that they might be blown off into the lake. Jane was + protecting herself by clinging to a rope. The awning suddenly + ballooned and went up into the air, taking some of the awning + posts with it. Miss Elting had no further desire to go up on + deck after that. With her charges she kept close to the deck + house, where they shielded themselves from the wind as much as + possible.</p> + + <p>"He's turning round," shouted Jane, with hands to lips.</p> + + <p>"Don't let him. He will upset us."</p> + + <p>Jane yelled at the man in the launch, who—not daring + to brave the seas any longer, was slowly turning his launch + about. He shook his head, evidently thinking she was ordering + him to continue. Seeing that her words were of no avail, Crazy + Jane leaped down to the forward deck and casting the tow line + from the cleat, flung it out on the water.</p> + + <p>"Hook on the other end and tow us back if you want to. Don't + you know better than to turn us around in all this storm?" she + yelled.</p> + + <p>The boatman ran up to the stern where Harriet was doing her + best to keep the boat's head to the wind, but was slowly losing + ground. She motioned to him to keep off and beckoned to him to + cast the tow line to her so she could make it fast at that end. + Harriet had forgotten that there was no rudder at the other + end. But the boatman persisted in getting up close to the + houseboat. All at once what Harriet had feared did happen. The + launch was picked up on a heavy swell and hurled against the + houseboat. There followed the sound of crunching woodwork. The + launch began to fill with water.</p> + + <p>"Jump!" shouted Captain Harriet. "You're sinking."</p> + + <p>The boatman clung to his craft a moment longer, then leaped + into the lake. He was not a good swimmer, but fortunately the + waves were rolling toward the houseboat, carrying him in that + direction. Harriet had dropped the tiller and was watching him + narrowly. There was no rope ready, the one that usually lay at + hand having been lost with the launch, which slowly settled in + the water, then disappeared.</p> + + <p>The girl saw that the man was likely to be hurled against + the side of the houseboat. She snatched up a boathook and when + he came within reach thrust it out to him.</p> + + <p>"Hold steady until that wave passes, then I'll pull you in," + she called. The blow from the waves took nearly all the breath + out of the man, but as soon as it had passed, Harriet hauled + him quickly aboard.</p> + + <p>Miss Elting reported that the "Red Rover" was leaking, that + the launch had crushed in a plank on the side.</p> + + <p>"Stuff clothing in the hole," ordered Jane. "Here you, Mr. + Man, please go in there and see if you can't nail up the broken + place. You've got to do something or you'll never set foot on + land again."</p> + + <p>Off in the camp of the Tramp Club there was great + excitement. The boys had discovered the craft laboring in the + heavy sea, and as it drew nearer to their side of the lake, + they discovered that it was none other than the "Red + Rover."</p> + + <p>"They're in trouble, boys. Billy, will your boat stand it?" + asked George.</p> + + <p>"As long as we can keep the water out of her."</p> + + <p>"Then let's get aboard. No, you fellows stay here. There's a + load of them out there to fetch back if we ever get close + enough to take them off."</p> + + <p>The motors were working, but no sooner had the two boys + gotten clear of the little pier at their camp than the engines + suddenly stopped and the boat drifted back.</p> + + <p>"There's a short circuit somewhere," called Billy. "Hold + her. I'll find it and we'll be going very shortly."</p> + + <p>"Hurry, Billy! They're in an awful mess over there," urged + George.</p> + + <p>It seemed as though the "Red Rover" must be torn to pieces. + The boat was now drifting broadside to the waves. Every large + wave would break against the side, then leap clear over the + boat. Every wave seemed powerful enough to crush in the sides. + But they came out dripping, glistening red after each + onslaught. The boatman had succeeded in patching the rent + caused by the collision, but the upper deck was leaking in many + places. The "Red Rover" had been strained almost to the + breaking-up point. It was now fairly wallowing in the foaming + sea dashing against its weather side. Harriet had given up + trying to do anything with the rudder. She could not keep the + bow of the boat around to the seas. It persisted in lying + broadside on, where it took the full force of the waves.</p> + + <p>"There comes a boat," cried Jane, who had been on the upper + deck, waving a sheet as a signal that they were in distress. + All hands peered toward the mainland. They saw a launch making + slow progress toward them. The little boat seemed to be + standing with her bow in the air most of the time. First it + would rear then plunge. As it neared them they saw that it was + Billy Gordon's boat, bearing himself and George Baker.</p> + + <p>"Cast a line! I don't dare get near," shouted Billy when + close enough to make his voice heard.</p> + + <p>"We haven't any. Cast your own," answered Harriet.</p> + + <p>George did the casting. He failed three times but on the + fourth cast Harriet caught the line and quickly made it fast to + a cleat at the forward end being nearly swept overboard in the + effort. The "Red Rover" straightened out on her course. For a + moment the launch seemed to be losing ground rather than + gaining, then slowly it began to pick up and shortly after that + was making slow progress toward shore.</p> + + <p>There were many spectators to that battle, none of whom + believed that either launch or houseboat, ever would reach the + land. Other boats refused to venture out in such a gale. Even + the big boats remained tied up. So much water was taken aboard + by the launch that George was fully occupied in bailing. A + piece of oilcloth had been thrown over the engines and battery + coils to keep these from getting soaked and thus causing a + stoppage of the engine.</p> + + <p>For two hours did launch and houseboat labor through the + seas, fighting every inch of the way. Harriet's arms ached from + handling the tiller. She was wet to the skin but clung steadily + to her work. The boatman was kept inside to watch for and stop + leaks, of which there were many before the voyage came to an + end. At last the "Red Rover" slipped into comparatively calm + water, amid a chorus of yells from the boys on shore. George + got up and waved his cap to the girls. They answered the salute + with three cheers, then Billy pulled the scow up to her former + anchorage, and in a few moments she lay rolling easily in a + moderate swell, safe, though considerably strained from her + wild voyage across a lake that many larger and more seaworthy + boats would have hesitated to brave.</p> + <hr style='width: 65%;'> + <a name='CHAPTER_XXIV'></a> + + <h2>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> + + <h3>CONCLUSION</h3><br> + + + <p>It was late in the evening when some sort of order had been + restored in the cabin of the "Red Rover." The boys had turned + to and worked like Trojans, helping to get the water out of the + boat, to mend broken places and throw the broken dishes + overboard.</p> + + <p>When all was done Miss Elting served a luncheon to them, + mostly canned stuff, all the other food having been ruined in + the voyage across the lake. It was during the luncheon that she + made a confession for herself and companions. She told the + Tramp Club how they had dressed up in white sheets and chased + the boys from the island; how they had hidden in the cave with + their boat; how Jane had discovered the half-breed and narrowly + missed a double discovery herself.</p> + + <p>"And now," concluded Miss Elting, "that is the way we played + our tricks. Perhaps we won the contest but after your bravery + to-day we feel that far greater honors are due to you + boys."</p> + + <p>The boys, whose faces had flushed during the recital, now + broke into a hearty laugh.</p> + + <p>"That's the best joke ever played on a bunch of fellows," + cried Billy. "And you've won the wager fairly enough. You don't + need to apologize for the ghosts. The trouble is we tried to + play worse jokes on you, but you turned them on us every time. + If we got you out of the lake it was by good luck, not because + we were so awfully brave. I'll never brag about bravery after + last night. And now good night. You folks are tired and want to + go to bed. We'll see that you aren't disturbed this evening. + You don't think of working your disappearing act to-night, do + you?"</p> + + <p>"No. We have had sufficient excitement for one day," + answered Miss Elting laughingly. "We are going to invite you + over to dinner soon, then we will have a happy good-bye party + before we leave. By the way, boys, we are going ashore in the + morning on a shopping trip. As all of us wish to go I am going + to ask you if you will keep an eye on the 'Red Rover.' There is + very little possibility that our enemy will visit it in broad + daylight, still it is best to take proper precautions against + further attacks."</p> + + <p>"We'll be very glad to look out for the 'Red Rover' while + you're away," responded George heartily. "That is if you can + assure us that you won't try any new vanishing tricks."</p> + + <p>"We give you our solemn promise," laughed Harriet. "The 'Red + Rover' has played her last trick."</p> + + <p>Harriet's laughing assurance, however, was destined to prove + truer than she had dreamed. The next morning the girls rose + early, and after a hasty breakfast went ashore to do their + shopping, secure in the thought that the Tramp Club would keep + an eye on the "Red Rover."</p> + + <p>In the meantime the boys had posted a watch on the shore, in + the person of Billy Gordon, who seated comfortably on the + ground, his back against a big tree, glanced frequently out + over the lake to where the "Red Rover" lay at anchor, her red + sides glistening in the sun.</p> + + <p>It was well towards noon when Billy rose from the ground and + strolled lazily down to the beach. Suddenly his good-natured + face took on a startled look as he stared anxiously toward the + houseboat. A moment later he was running toward the tent at + full speed.</p> + + <p>"Fellows, come out here!" he shouted. "Hurry up!"</p> + + <p>"What's the matter?" asked George Baker, hurrying out of the + tent, the other members of the Tramp Club at his heels.</p> + + <p>"Look!" gasped Billy, pointing toward the "Red Rover." "What + do you make of that?"</p> + + <p>"Why—why—" stammered George Baker. Then he + uttered a sudden cry of alarm. "By George, she's on fire. That + scamp has sneaked in and set fire to the boat under our very + noses. I'm positive that he did it. Pile into the launch with + all the pails you can find and let's get out there. That + villain must have swum over, climbed aboard, and set fire to + the side of the boat away from the shore. That's why we didn't + notice the smoke when she first began to burn."</p> + + <p>By the time they were on their way toward the doomed + houseboat the fire had made tremendous headway. Being an old + boat, the "Red Rover" burned like kindling. It seemed to be + fairly wrapped in flames.</p> + + <p>"It's no use," groaned George. "She'll be gone inside of the + next five minutes. We can't save the boat or anything on board. + I'm thankful the girls were all on shore. That villain must + have watched them go, and then swam out here. If he'd paddled + out in his canoe this morning we'd have seen him. Don't go too + near her, fellows. She's likely to collapse any minute."</p> + + <p>"Look out! She's going!" exclaimed Larry Goheen. A moment + later the whole top of the unwieldy boat fell in, while the + flames attacked the hull with renewed fury.</p> + <hr style='width: 45%;'> + + <p>When the Meadow-Brook Girls returned to the shore of the + lake, that afternoon, well laden with the fruits of their + shopping, they were met by the members of the Tramp Club, who + looked unduly solemn. One glance at their grave faces and + Harriet cried out apprehensively, "What on earth has happened + to you, boys?"</p> + + <p>"We're all right," stammered George, "but the 'Red + Rover'—well, it is—"</p> + + <p>The Meadow-Brook Girls all looked involuntarily in the + direction of where the "Red Rover" had lain that morning.</p> + + <p>"Why—why—where is our boat?" faltered Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>Then George poured forth the story of the morning's + disaster, while the girls listened in consternation to the + recital of the way in which the houseboat had been set fire to + and sunk.</p> + + <p>"Of course that half-breed did it," concluded George, "and + now that we've told you all about it, we are going to start out + after him. I'll wager he's somewhere around this lake yet."</p> + + <p>"I shall go back to the village at once and put the matter + in the hands of the constable," declared Miss Elting. "I shall + also see Dee Dickinson. I hold him indirectly responsible for + all the disagreeable things that have happened to us, and for + this, too."</p> + + <p>"Wait until to-night before you do anything about it," + begged George. "Give the Tramp Club a chance to distinguish + themselves. If we don't get our man by six o'clock to-night, + then put the matter in the hands of the authorities. In the + meantime, won't you accept our hospitality for the day? We + offer you the use of our camp while we go out on a man + hunt."</p> + + <p>After some further conversation Miss Elting reluctantly + agreed to the boys' plan, and after considerable mourning over + the lost "Red Rover," the girls settled themselves in the camp + of the tramps to await the return of the boys.</p> + + <p>"It looks as though we would have to go back to Meadow-Brook + a little sooner than we expected, girls," declared Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>"I'd rather go home than thtay around where there are crathy + Indianth," retorted Tommy. "Thuppothe we had been on that boat + when it thank."</p> + + <p>"We wouldn't have been so foolish as to stay on it if it had + been sinking," laughed Harriet. "Besides all of us can swim. + Our enemy took good care to set fire to the boat when we + weren't on it."</p> + + <p>"I wonder what his object is in persecuting us so," mused + Hazel. "None of us have ever harmed him."</p> + + <p>"Ask Dee Dickinson," advised Jane dryly.</p> + + <p>"We certainly shall do so, this very night," returned Miss + Elting, with compressed lips.</p> + + <p>Meanwhile the Tramp Club had pursued what bade fair to be a + fruitless quest. Search as they might they could find no trace + of their quarry. Late in the afternoon the launch reached the + entrance to the hidden creek where the "Red Rover" had recently + lain snug and secure.</p> + + <p>"This is certainly an ideal hiding place," declared George, + as he scanned the bank on both sides. "I don't + wonder—"</p> + + <p>He was interrupted by an excited shout from Larry, who had + also been keeping a sharp lookout. "There he goes!" he + yelled.</p> + + <p>A long dark green canoe had shot out from under an + overhanging ledge of rock. The sole occupant was paddling with + swift, noiseless strokes toward the mouth of the creek, intent + on reaching the lake and making his escape.</p> + + <p>"It's the half-breed!" yelled Larry excitedly.</p> + + <p>"He's been hiding up here waiting for night to come. He + thought that we didn't know about this place. Now that we've + hunted him down, he's trying to make a quick get-away. Once out + of the creek he can give us the slip. Fellows, we've got to get + him!"</p> + + <p>Billy, who was at the wheel, began backing the launch toward + the mouth of the creek. Not for an instant did the boys lose + sight of their man, and the moment the boat reached open water + it was sent ahead at full speed. Soon they began to gain on the + fugitive, who was paddling with a speed little short of + marvelous.</p> + + <p>"Hold on there!" shouted George. "We've got you anyway. You + might as well surrender!"</p> + + <p>The man in the canoe refused to halt at command, but + continued to paddle desperately, until Billy deliberately ran + him down. An instant later George was holding on to their + captive with an iron grip.</p> + + <p>"Shut down. I've got him!" he yelled. Billy obeyed, and the + half-breed was hauled into the launch, kicking and struggling + furiously.</p> + + <p>"Get a rope," commanded George. "There's a coil of it in the + bow of the launch."</p> + + <p>Five minutes later the Indian was lying in the bottom of the + boat tied beyond all possibility of escape, and the boys were + triumphantly heading for camp.</p> + + <p>"We've got the Indian!" yelled Larry to the little group on + shore as the launch neared the landing in front of the Tramp + Club's camp.</p> + + <p>"We've been watching for you," called Harriet. "We saw you + when you were away up the lake. Have you really got him?"</p> + + <p>"Indeed we have, and tied so that he'd have hard work + getting away," laughed Gordon.</p> + + <p>"What shall we do with him?" asked Larry as they bore the + Indian ashore in triumph.</p> + + <p>"Stand him up against that tree for the present," ordered + George, then grimly wound coil after coil of rope around the + half-breed, securing him with many a hard knot. At last George + stood back to survey his work with admiration.</p> + + <p>"I'd like to see even an Indian get out of that harness," + Baker remarked complacently.</p> + + <p>Harriet and Jane walked over to the tree and looked + searchingly at the captive. Both recognized him as the man they + had seen while the "Red Rover" lay hidden in the creek.</p> + + <p>"Larry and I are going up to the village at once to notify + the authorities," announced George. "We want to get rid of this + fellow as soon as possible."</p> + + <p>"And I am going with you," announced Miss Elting firmly, "to + hunt up Mr. Dee Dickinson. He knows all about this man and the + time has arrived for him to tell me the truth."</p> + <hr style='width: 45%;'> + + <p>Dickinson at first refused flatly to give Miss Elting any + satisfaction concerning the Indian.</p> + + <p>"Then I shall have you arrested as a suspicious character, + also," declared Miss Elting sternly. "Unless you give me a full + explanation of this whole affair I shall have you taken in + custody by the authorities. Understand you are to tell me + everything."</p> + + <p>Dickinson, however, seeing that Miss Elting would admit of + no trifling, decided that it would be better to make a clean + breast of the matter.</p> + + <p>"The Indian's name is Charlie Lavaille," he began sullenly, + "though he's commonly called French Charlie. He makes a sort of + living at fishing, and he hired the houseboat from me."</p> + + <p>"Then you rented the boat to some one else, and afterwards + turned it over to us without letting us know?" asked Miss + Elting.</p> + + <p>"He rented the houseboat after a fashion," Dickinson + explained lamely, "though he didn't pay any rent down, and + hasn't paid a penny since. He was going to pay me, he said, at + the end of the season. Now, of course, when you came up here + with a message from your brother, and claimed the boat, I had + to let you have it. If Charlie had paid any money, I would have + refunded it to him; but as he hadn't paid a cent there was + nothing to do but to turn the boat over to you."</p> + + <p>"And you left us in ignorance of all this, when the + knowledge of it might have saved us much trouble, let alone the + danger we ran and the final loss of the boat?" Miss Elting + asked accusingly.</p> + + <p>"Well, you see, it was hard to explain," replied Dee + Dickinson reluctantly. "At any rate, at the time I thought it + would be hard to explain, so I let it go without telling you. I + tried to make it all clear to Charlie that, having paid no + money, he had no claim on the boat, but you can't explain a + thing like that to an Indian. So Charlie wouldn't listen to + anything I could say. The half-breed isn't right in his head, + anyway, I'm inclined to think."</p> + + <p>"So, without warning, you left us at the mercy of a possibly + insane Indian?" Miss Elting persisted. "Mr. Dickinson, you have + acted in a very cowardly fashion toward women who had been sent + here believing that they were to be in a measure under your + protection. You should be compelled to suffer for it. I shall + write to my brother at once and tell him just what sort of man + you are."</p> + + <p>Dickinson cringed at Miss Elting's severe words and fairly + slunk from the guardian's presence at the close of the + interview.</p> + + <p>The village constable and one of his men returned to the + camp with Miss Elting and the boys to take charge of the + Indian. He was locked up for a few days by the authorities at + Wantagh, then subjected to a rigid examination by a medical + board, and being pronounced insane, was sent away to one of the + state institutions for the demented.</p> + + <p>The Meadow-Brook Girls and Miss Elting said good-bye to the + Tramp Club that evening and spent the night at the village + hotel.</p> + + <p>"We've had a fine time at any rate," said Jane McCarthy as + they discussed all over again the exciting happenings of the + day before, at breakfast the next morning. "Where are we going + next? Vacation isn't half over yet."</p> + + <p>"Why we're going home, aren't we?" asked Harriet, turning to + Miss Elting.</p> + + <p>"Not so you could notice it!" exclaimed Jane slangily. "That + is not if Miss Elting will listen to my plan. Promise me you'll + do as I ask, Miss Elting."</p> + + <p>"I never make rash promises," laughed Miss Elting. "Tell us + what you wish to do and then we'll see about it."</p> + + <p>"I want to take you all for a week's drive in my car. You've + been through so much here at the lake that my peculiar style of + driving will hold no terrors for you. What do you say? Will you + go?"</p> + + <p>"If I thought you could be depended upon, for once, to drive + safely—" began Miss Elting somewhat dubiously. "What is + your pleasure, girls?"</p> + + <p>"We want to go with Jane," was the chorus.</p> + + <p>"Hurrah!" cried Jane. "It's settled. I'll promise to bring + you back home all safe and sound."</p> + + <p>The day was spent in shopping at the village store, as their + belongings had all been aboard the ill-fated "Red Rover." The + Meadow-Brook Girls decided to get along as best they could with + their limited supply of clothing, and depended on buying their + meals at the various hotels and farmhouses along the way. After + a happy week on the road, during which time Jane McCarthy + proved herself to be a safe and careful driver, they turned + their faces toward their own town.</p> + + <p>Once home, Miss Elting lost no time in sending in a report, + to the Chief Guardian of the Camp Girls' Association, of the + "honors" won by the Meadow-Brook Girls. In due time the girls + received their honor beads, which added considerably to the + length of the strings of beads they had already won for + achievement and bravery.</p> + + <p>The Meadow-Brook Girls were destined, however, to win many + more of the coveted beads, and shortly after their return home, + Jane McCarthy held a lengthy consultation with her father; then + invited them and Miss Elting to be her guests on a trip to the + White Mountains. What befell them during their outing in the + New Hampshire hills will be fully set forth in the next volume + of this series entitled, <b>"The Meadow-Brook Girls in the + Hills; Or, The Missing Pilot of the White Mountains."</b></p> + +<br> +<br> +<hr class="full" noshade> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS AFLOAT***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 13577-h.txt or 13577-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/3/5/7/13577">https://www.gutenberg.org/1/3/5/7/13577</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The Meadow-Brook Girls Afloat + +Author: Janet Aldridge + +Release Date: October 2, 2004 [eBook #13577] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS AFLOAT*** + + +E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Project Gutenberg Beginners +Projects, Suzanne Lybarger, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed +Proofreading Team + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustrations. + See 13577-h.htm or 13577-h.zip: + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/3/5/7/13577/13577-h/13577-h.htm) + or + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/3/5/7/13577/13577-h.zip) + + + + + +THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS AFLOAT + +Or, The Stormy Cruise of the Red Rover + +by + +Janet Aldridge + +Author of + _The Meadow-Brook Girls Under Canvas_, + _The Meadow-Brook Girls Across Country_, + _The Meadow-Brook Girls in the Hills_, etc. + +Illustrated + +1913 + + + + + + + +[Illustration: "It's the 'Red Rover'!"] + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER + + I. SCENTING A MYSTERY + + II. CRAZY JANE MAKES A DISCOVERY + + III. SETTING UP HOUSEKEEPING + + IV. A SUDDEN AWAKENING + + V. LAND HO! + + VI. CAPTAIN GEORGE MAKES A FIND + + VII. A MYSTERIOUS NIGHT JOURNEY + + VIII. THE ISLAND OF DELIGHT + + IX. THE TRAMP CLUB IS ALARMED + + X. THEIR SUSPICIONS AROUSED + + XI. MARGERY MAKES A CUSTARD + + XII. MAKING AN EXCITING DISCOVERY + + XIII. AN EARLY MORNING SURPRISE + + XIV. THE MIDNIGHT ALARM + + XV. THE ROUT OF THE PIRATE CREW + + XVI. A MIDNIGHT VISITOR + + XVII. A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE + +XVIII. A FRUITLESS SEARCH + + XIX. THE TRAMP CLUB FINDS A CLUE + + XX. JANE PLAYS EAVESDROPPER + + XXI. A DOUBLE SURPRISE + + XXII. SPOOKS OF THE LONESOME ISLE + +XXIII. ON A STORMY CRUISE + + XXIV. CONCLUSION + + + + +CHAPTER I + +SCENTING A MYSTERY + + +"I wouldn't advise you young ladies to take the boat out." + +Miss Elting instantly recalled the message from her brother. The +telegram was in her pocket at that moment, "If you have any trouble, Dee +Dickinson will see that you are protected," read the message. It was Dee +Dickinson who had spoken to her that moment. + +Dee had made a distinctly unfavorable impression on Miss Elting, the +guardian and companion of the Meadow-Brook Girls. Her brother's fishing +boat had been left in the care of this man by her brother Bert, who had +now turned it over to his sister and the Meadow-Brook Girls for their +summer vacation. + +"Why not?" questioned the young woman in answer to his words of warning. +"Isn't the boat in good condition?" + +"Oh, yes. That is, it isn't by any means in a sinking condition." + +"Then why do you advise us not to use it?" + +"The lake gets rather rough at times, you know," he replied evasively. + +"My brother wrote you that we were coming up here, did he not?" + +"Oh, yes. But you see it's been a year since he used the old scow. She +is a year older, now, and--" + +"I am quite sure that my brother would not have permitted us to take the +houseboat were it not perfectly safe for us to do so. Please tell me +what is the matter with it?" + +"There's nothing the matter with it, I tell you, except that it's an old +fishing scow with a roof over it. It isn't a fit place for a party of +young ladies," Dee replied, with a shrug of his shoulders. "Of course, +if you are set on taking the boat, I'll have to get it ready for you; +but, if anything happens to it, remember that I warned you." + +"We shall not forget," answered the guardian dryly. "If it stays on top +of the lake we surely cannot expect anything more. Where is the boat?" + +"A couple of miles down the lake." + +"Kindly direct us so that we may find it, and--" + +"No, no," interposed Dickinson hastily. "I'll have it brought up here to +the dock, so you can get at it more easily. There'll be some things you +will wish to do to it. Having it here at Wantagh will be much more +convenient for you. I'll try to have it here for you by to-night, or +early in the morning. But you'll be sick of your bargain, I promise you +that." + +"Do you mean us to infer that the boat is not safe?" interjected Harriet +Burrell. + +"I haven't said so," answered the man rather sharply, turning to her. +"I've told you that it isn't the kind of craft for young women to live +on all summer." + +"We shall decide that matter ourselves," returned Miss Elting coldly. + +"Very good. Suit yourselves." + +"I think you had better take us to the boat now before anything further +is done in the matter." + +"No. You had better have it brought here," persisted Dickinson. "Do you +know where Johnson's dock is?" + +The guardian hesitated. She was regarding the man with some suspicion. + +"It's at the foot of the second street beyond, down that way. I'll have +the boat down there in a couple of hours. I've got to get a motor boat, +or something of the sort to tow it down. It probably will leak some, not +having been in the water this season until yesterday. You had better go +over to the hotel and get your dinner. I'll come up and let you know +when the scow is ready. Go right over and make yourself at home. I'll do +the best I can. Bert's an old friend of mine." + +Dickinson hurried away, without further words. The girls looked at each +other and laughed. + +"Well, if Dee Dickinson is a friend of your brother, I must say I don't +admire your brother's friends," declared Harriet. + +"That ith what I thay," agreed Grace Thompson. + +"Tommy, you shouldn't have said that," reproved Hazel Holland. + +"She didn't. Harriet said it," retorted Margery. + +"Buster is right," laughed Jane McCarthy. "Come on, girls! Let's go to +dinner, as the shifty-eyed gentleman advised. I hope it is dinner. I +never could get used to luncheon in the middle of the day when Nature +intended that a girl should have a full meal of the real food. Where is +the old hotel?" + +"I don't know, Jane. There is something strange about this affair. I am +sure that Bert must have known what he was about, or he wouldn't have +sent me the message he did. However, we shall see. There is no need to +borrow trouble. We shall know how to deal with it when we meet it face +to face. Let's go and look for this hotel that our friend, Mr. Dee, has +recommended." + +Getting into the automobile Jane started her car, and they drove through +the town in search of the hotel, which they found after a few inquiries. +The prosperous village of Wantagh was located on the shore of Lake +Winnipesaukee. It was there that Miss Elting's brother had begun to +practice law, but after one year's practice in the little village had +listened to the call of the West. He had left in Wantagh the old scow, +dignified by the name of "houseboat" to which was attached the further +title of "Red Rover." It was in this lumbering craft that Miss Elting +and her young friends, the Meadow-Brook Girls, had planned to spend part +of their summer vacation. Their meeting with Dickinson, in whose care +the boat had been left, was quite discouraging. Dee was not a +prepossessing fellow; what impressed them most unfavorably about him was +his shifty eyes. He seldom permitted himself to meet the gaze of the +person with whom he was talking. + +Some inquiry, after reaching the hotel, developed the fact that Dee +Dickinson was a notary, did a little real estate business, and drew a +few papers for his neighbors, thus managing to eke out a precarious +living. So far as the girls were able to find out, Dickinson's character +was above reproach. Miss Elting chided herself for having formed a wrong +opinion of the man. Still she could not overcome her irritation at his +evident reluctance in getting the boat ready. + +It was quite late in the afternoon when Dee appeared at the hotel, red +of face, his clothes soiled and wet. + +"Well, we got the old thing," was his greeting. + +"Is the boat here?" inquired the guardian coldly. + +"Yes, Miss Elting. It's down at Johnson's dock this very minute. You can +go down there and look at it. I've got some business to--" + +"Please go with us. There will be things about it which we shall wish to +ask you. Does the boat leak much?" + +He shook his head. + +"It's all right," he said. "I can't spare the time to go to-day." + +"If I might venture to offer to pay you for your trouble," suggested the +guardian, not certain whether he would resent her offer of money. +Dickinson, however, was not easily insulted. + +"Of course, if--if you wish, I--yes, of course," he mumbled. + +Miss Elting handed him two dollars. Dickinson led the way down to the +dock, though without enthusiasm. + +"There's the tub," he said, pointing toward what appeared, at first +glance, to be a huge box. "That is it." + +The girls walked out on the dock and stood gazing at the boat. In the +first place, the "Red Rover" was not red at all. It had once had a prime +coat of yellow paint, but this had succumbed to storm and sunshine. The +windows had been boarded up; and the exterior of the craft bore out all +that Dee Dickinson had said of it. + +"Thirty feet on the water line," explained the man, for want of +something better to say. + +The boat, originally, had been a scow used for the purpose of towing the +effects of summer residents of the island across the lake. Bert Elting +had bought it for a small sum of money, and had built the house over it. +He and a friend, had spent many days and nights aboard, anchored out on +the fishing grounds. When they desired to change their location a launch +usually could be found to tow them about. + +At each end of the house there was a cockpit some three feet long. In +other words the house did not extend the full length of the boat. At the +rear there was a long-handed tiller. The boat was flat as a floor. + +"If the inside is as handsome as the outside, we shall have the +nightmare all the time," declared Margery. + +"We had better look at the inside," reflected Miss Elting. + +There were doors at each end. The girls entered by the rear door. + +"Mercy!" exclaimed the guardian. "How warm it is in here. Mr. Dickinson, +is there any glass in those windows?" + +Dickinson shook his head. + +"Then please knock out the boards." + +Harriet already was doing this. She succeeded in ripping off a few +planks, letting in the fresh air and sunlight. What they saw then did +not please them. The floor was covered with rubbish. There was food +scattered about, the walls were greasy. At one side stood an old stove, +red with rust, its pipe dented in, and the ashes heaped high on the +floor where the last occupant had left them. + +Harriet stepped over by the stove to get a different perspective of the +interior of the old craft. She rested one hand on the stove, but +withdrew it quickly. She seemed about to say something, then abruptly +checked her speech. + +"Girls," said Miss Elting, "I don't know whether we shall be able to do +anything with this boat or not. What do you think?" + +"Of course we shall," answered Harriet promptly. "A good scrubbing and a +little fixing up will make a delightful summer home of it." + +"This is my treat, you know," interjected Jane. "That is, you know Miss +Elting was to furnish the boat and I was to do all the rest." + +"Oh, no! We couldn't permit you to do that," answered the guardian. + +"A bargain's a bargain," declared Jane. "I'll get the paint. You folks, +in the meantime, look the place over and see what else you need. I'll go +back to the village for the things you decide on when we get ready for +them." + +"What color shall we paint the boat?" questioned Miss Elting. + +"Red, of course," cried Harriet. "Surely, you wouldn't paint a 'Red +Rover' green, would you?" + +"I think we had better paint the inside of the boat white," advised Miss +Elting. + +"Then white it shall be," declared Jane. "Mr. Dickinson, you come with +me and show me where to get the paint. I'm off, girls. I think we'd +better stay at the hotel to-night. Our palatial yacht won't be ready for +us." + +Jane hurried out, followed by Dickinson. He was eager to get away. While +she was gone the girls consulted with Miss Elting as to what was +necessary to be done to the boat. They were full of enthusiasm despite +the discouraging condition in which they had found the "Red Rover," for +the possibilities of making it a delightful home, were plain to all of +them. + +Jane McCarthy came racing back with her car, three quarters of an hour +later. Two men were in the car with her who wore overalls and small +round caps. + +"Here are the painters who are going to make the outside of the boat +look pretty," cried the girl. "Now, men, get to work and do your best! +If you do a good job you get your money. If you don't, you get a ducking +in the pond! Here, girls, help me unload this stuff." + +There were cans of paint, a mop, two brooms, tin and wooden pails, scrub +brushes, soap and a miscellaneous assortment of useful articles. + +"Now, girls, let's get to work," cried Jane. "This is our busy day. +There'll be another man down here with some windows, soon. We've got to +have some hot water. Harriet, can you heat it?" + +For answer Harriet hurried along the beach, picking up such dry sticks +as she could find. She soon had a fire started in the stove. + +"We must stand by the fire with pails of water. I haven't much +confidence in that stovepipe," she exclaimed laughingly. "However, we +have plenty of water near, in case of need." + +Tommy had gotten a broom and a dustpan and was already raising a cloud +of dust by her efforts at sweeping. + +"For goodness' sake, sprinkle the floor before you sweep," begged +Margery chokingly. Hazel dipped up a pail of water from the lake and +sprinkled it through her fingers over the floor of the boat. All the +others save Harriet had fled, driven out by the choking dust. The +sweeping was now attended with more comfort. Dustpan after dustpan full +of dirt was gathered up and tossed into the lake. Tommy surveyed her +work with a frowning face. + +"It lookth worthe than it did before," she declared. "Thee the greathe +thpotth. What fine houthekeeping." + +"Men are lazy housekeepers," laughed Miss Elting. "I shall have to write +to Bert and tell him what we think of his housekeeping." + +As soon as the water was heated, Jane produced some full length gingham +aprons, which she tossed to her companions. Arrayed in these, the girls +took up scrub brushes and soap and got to work on the inside of the +cabin. Their skirts were pinned up, their sleeves rolled back to the +shoulders and they looked like veritable scrub women. + +"Let's all work on the same side of the boat," called Jane. "I want one +side to get dry so we can begin to paint it." The slap, slap of the +painters' brushes already was heard on the outside. The remaining boards +over the windows had been torn off and carefully laid aside for other +uses. + +Two hours later Jane got the painters to open the cans of white paint +and stir up the contents. The men put in plenty of drier so the paint +would dry quickly and began their work. Tommy could not resist trying to +paint too. Seizing a brush she began laying about her, sending the paint +into her hair, over her clothes and spattering her companions until they +threatened to throw her overboard if she did not desist. Tommy's impish +face already was decorated with polka dots of white paint. + +"I would suggest that Tommy go out and use some red paint," said Harriet +laughingly. "Some red dots would make you look perfectly lovely, dear." + +"Yes and some blue," added Jane. "She'd be red, white and blue then, and +we could hang her over the stern. That would save getting a flag." + +"Girls, what are we going to do with the ceiling!" asked Miss Elting, +regarding it with wrinkled forehead. + +"We might paint in white between the beams, covering the beams +themselves with green," suggested Harriet. + +"That would be pretty," agreed the guardian, tilting her head to one +side and regarding the ceiling reflectively. "Yes, it would be very +artistic. Have we any green paint?" + +"We'll have some," answered Jane promptly. "What shade?" + +"Grath green," suggested Tommy. + +"Olive," suggested Hazel. + +Miss Elting nodded. Olive green paint would look well for the ceiling, +she decided. Already the interior of the houseboat was beginning to +brighten. But they saw that, to do a thoroughly good job, at least two +coats of paint would be necessary. They hoped to get one coat of paint +on before night, putting on the finishing coat on the following morning. + +The slap, slap of the brushes outside had ceased and the men were heard +talking. Jane rushed out brandishing her paint brush. + +"Get to work, you lazy bones!" she shouted. "Am I paying you for holding +conversations about red paint! On with your work!" + +Jane presented such a ferocious appearance that the painters resumed +their work hurriedly. There was no more lagging on their part. Jane +frequently ran out to see what they were doing. The result was that the +"Red Rover" was painted in record time, both outside and in, and a coat +of paint laid on the top of the house. Jane McCarthy had an idea in +regard to this roof. The next morning she put the plan into execution. + +That night the girls were so tired that they gave no thought to their +appearance until they had reached their rooms at the hotel and looked +into their mirrors. Their paint-streaked countenances were a sight to +behold and Tommy carried a part of her facial decorations to bed with +her. + +They were up early on the following morning, and were first in the +dining room at breakfast. + +"I just can't wait until I get to work," declared Jane McCarthy, her +eyes shining. + +"I can wait until I've eaten my breakfast," replied Margery, then +flushed as Tommy giggled meaningly. + +Readers of the first volume of this series, "THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS +UNDER CANVAS" will recall the many exciting adventures that befell the +five girls and their guardian, Miss Elting, while summering at Camp +Wau-Wau, a part of the Camp Girls' organization. The attempts of two +mischief-making camp girls to disgrace Harriet in the eyes of the camp, +Harriet's brave rescue of her enemies during a severe storm and her +generous method of dealing with them aroused the interest and admiration +of the reader. The various ludicrous happenings in which Grace Thompson +and Jane McCarthy figured prominently also added to this absorbing +narrative of outdoor life. + +"THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS ACROSS COUNTRY" relates the adventures of the +girls and their guardian on their homeward march from Camp Wau-Wau. +Their meeting with a number of boys on a hike, who styled themselves the +Tramp Club, and the subsequent wager made with them by the Meadow-Brook +Girls to race them to the town of Meadow-Brook, furnished the theme for +the narrative. While following the fortunes of the road the girls met +with numerous adventures. The reader will recall their encounter with +the tramps, their rescue by Sybarina, the Gipsy, and the night spent in +the Gipsy camp where Harriet, disguised as a Gipsy, told the fortune of +George Baker the leader of the Tramp Club, and at the same time under +the pretense of revealing his past rated him soundly for a trick which +he and his band had played upon the girls. + +Once back in Meadow-Brook the girls had settled down to a busy winter in +high school. Now that summer had come again, accompanied by Miss Elting, +they had planned to spend their vacation on Lake Winnipesaukee, aboard a +houseboat owned by Miss Elting's brother. + +The "Red Rover" in its coat of bright new paint looked really fine that +morning. As the girls neared it the odor of fresh paint was borne to +their nostrils on the breeze that drifted in from the lake. Full of +enthusiasm the girls hurried aboard the boat. There was much to be done, +and all were eager to settle their home and to begin the fascinating +life that was before them, a life that not one of the girls had ever +before enjoyed. The painters came soon after, and began putting on the +second coat of paint. The girls, as soon as they had donned aprons and +gloves, started to put on the second coat in the interior of the boat. +The windows were on hand, ready to be set in place and everyone went to +work with a will. + +So rapidly did the girls and Jane's painters work that, by noon, the +work, both inside and out, had been completed, including a coat of paint +on the floor. The painters were paid off by Jane and dismissed. Jane +stepped out on the pier to survey the work. + +"Girls, we've forgotten something," she cried. "We must have the name on +the side of the boat. The 'Red Rover' you know? I forgot that when the +men were here. Can any of you print?" + +"I think perhaps I might do it," answered Miss Elting. "But we shall +have to wait until the red paint dries. Suppose we sit down and rest for +an hour or so?" + +"Rest!" shouted Crazy Jane. "There's no rest for the Meadow-Brook Girls. +It's work and trouble and trouble and work all day and all night. Girls, +we've got to have a new stove, and we must have a lot of other things, +including some curtains and home comforts. Can you help me load the old +stove into the car?" + +"Not without breaking it, I'm afraid," answered Miss Elting laughingly. + +"Then get the axe. We'll smash the old thing. Hey there, you man," Jane +shouted at a passing farmer. "Want to earn fifty cents? Well, get busy +here, and help us move the stove." + +With the aid of the farmer they took down the old wood stove and loaded +it into the automobile. Next they made a hurried toilet and drove into +the village. Most of the afternoon was spent in making purchases. All +the bedding had been shipped by freight, as had the folding cots, the +cooking utensils and their tent. Harriet proposed that they make the +tent into an awning over the upper deck. She thought it would be a +pleasant place to sit in the evenings. Her companions agreed with her. +This necessitated calling in a carpenter. He was sent out to the boat to +do the work while they were finishing their shopping. + +Among the purchases was an oil stove--Jane had sold the old one--a large +quantity of canned goods, potatoes and other vegetables, all of which +they planned to stow in the front of the houseboat under oilcloth. Here +also was stowed a huge sea chest that had belonged to Jane's +great-grandfather. It was supposed to be water-tight and in this the +Meadow-Brook Girls decided to place all their extra clothing. A rag +carpet was found that answered very well to cut up into rugs to lay on +the floor. The carpenter made a ladder by which to climb to the upper +deck. Then there was rope and an anchor, the latter a piece of an old +mowing machine; a rowboat, which Jane rented, and heavy green shades at +the windows so that they should have greater seclusion; also a cask to +hold drinking water. + +When the girls finished their work that night Crazy Jane McCarthy had +spent quite a sum of money, but the equipment for the "Red Rover" was as +nearly complete as they were able to make it. Just before sunset they +went out to watch Miss Elting paint the name on the side of the boat. In +large, neat letters she painted the name in white. The letters stood out +in bold relief against the brilliant red of the boat. + +"I propose three cheers for the artist," cried Harriet. + +"Wait a minute," called Tommy. + +"Well, what is it?" demanded Margery. + +"The job ith not finithhed yet. Mith Elting hathn't painted the name on +the other thide." + +"That is true, but to do so I should have to stand in the water," +laughed the guardian. + +"If you must paint the other side, of course we can turn the boat +around," said Harriet. "I think a name on one side will answer our +purpose for the present. Later on we can finish the job, if we think +best." + +"Yes," agreed Jane. "We've done enough for the present. Don't forget +that we've got to settle the house in the morning. I want you all to +think hard to-night, to see if we have forgotten anything." + +"The only thing we have forgotten is our dinner. We haven't had a bite +to eat since morning," Margery Brown reminded her friends. + +"Margery can't think of anything but thomething to eat," laughed Tommy. +"You mutht learn to eat atmothphere when you're hungry. That ith the way +I do." + +"I fear you will never grow fat on that sort of diet," laughed the +guardian. + +"I don't want to get fat, like Buthter," replied Tommy scornfully. + +In the meantime Harriet and Jane had drawn away from the others and were +engaged in a whispered conversation. Then the two girls got into the +rowboat dragged the houseboat out into the lake, a few rods, and +anchored it. They did not explain their action. The other girls laughed +at them, and Miss Elting questioned them with her eyes but said nothing. +She knew the two girls had some good reason for anchoring the "Red +Rover" a little distance from the shore. + +Early on the following morning, Jane and Harriet were out, loading the +automobile with the supplies that had been delivered at the hotel the +previous night. The car was piled high with bundles of various shapes +and sizes. There was room for Jane and Harriet in front, but none for +their companions elsewhere. + +"We will go down to the dock with the stuff," explained Harriet, "then +come back in time to take breakfast with you girls. We shan't try to put +the supplies on board. We'll just dump them on the pier." + +"You can put them on the boat if you want to. I don't care," answered +Grace. + +"Tommy is trying to get out of working to-day," scoffed Margery. + +"I'm not," protested the little lisping girl indignantly. "If I were ath +fat ath you, I might. I'll work after breakfatht, but I won't work +before breakfatht." + +"Nobody wants you to," flung back Jane, as she started her car ahead. +"We'll do all the before-breakfast work, and we'll have the real +appetites when we get to the food. You watch us." + +They watched her skid around a sharp corner and heard her car for some +few moments thereafter, but that was all. They were too well used to +Crazy Jane McCarthy, by this time, to be surprised at anything she might +do or say. + +The drive to Johnson's dock was a short one. The two girls made it in a +few moments. As they turned into the street that led down to the river +they opened their eyes a little wider, but neither spoke. Nor was there +a word said until they had driven out on the pier and halted the car. +Then both girls burst out in exclamations of amazement at the same +instant. + +That which they discovered filled the hearts of the Meadow-Brook Girls +with alarm. The "Red Rover" was nowhere in sight. The shore end of the +rope, with which it had been secured to the dock when they anchored it +out in the lake, was still securely tied to the string piece at the +outer side of the dock. + +"What is it, darlin'?" questioned Jane, with eyes wide and wondering. + +"It looks to me very much as though our 'Red Rover' were at the bottom +of the lake, Jane. Oh, what shall we do if she has sunk? Something has +been going on here. Something occurred the first day we were here, to +excite my suspicion. And now this strange thing has happened. There's +the rowboat. Let's go out and look around. Oh, this is too bad, too +bad!" + + + + +CHAPTER II + +CRAZY JANE MAKES A DISCOVERY + + +"Wait!" + +Jane sprang forward, and grasping the rope, lifted it from the water and +began hauling in on it. She uttered a shout of joy. + +"There's no 'Red Rover' on the other end of this rope, Harriet," she +cried. + +"Then it has broken away and sunk," answered Harriet gloomily. "Let's +get into the rowboat and go out yonder." + +"In a minute. I want to see what is at the other end of this rope, +Harriet, dear. There's nothing like beginning at the right end. This is +the right end; after we get the rope in we will move on to the other +end. We may have to dive, but you and I know how to do that, don't we +darlin'?" + +Harriet nodded. The long rope came in dripping, so cold to the touch as +to make Jane's fingers numb. + +"There!" exclaimed Jane, slamming the rope down on the wharf. "There's +the old thing. Didn't I tell you there was no 'Red Rover' on the end of +it." + +"Then we had better take to the rowboat. I don't understand this at +all," said Harriet, in a troubled voice. + +"Just a minute, Harriet. Will you look at this and tell Jane McCarthy +the meaning of it?" She extended the end of the rope toward Harriet. The +latter took it, permitting the dripping rope to lie across the palm of +one hand for a minute. Harriet glanced up at her companion with troubled +eyes. + +"Do you know what has been done to it?" asked Harriet. + +"I think so," nodded Jane. + +"The rope has been cut," reflected Harriet. + +"It has," agreed Jane. + +"But, who could have done such a thing?" Harriet wondered. + +"If I knew, I'd make him suffer for this piece of work," retorted Jane. + +"I don't know; I can't even think," answered Harriet solemnly. "What do +you suppose has become of the boat, Jane?" + +"Goodness knows," replied Jane. + +"I'm going to search the lake." Harriet ran around the end of the pier, +where, shoving off the rowboat, she leaped in. Jane followed her. "I'm +going to the west. The wind is blowing that way." + +Jane McCarthy nodded understandingly. Harriet was rowing, Jane sitting +in the stern of the boat. + +"Watch the shore, Jane. I will do the rowing. I am going to tell you +what I discovered that day we first went aboard the houseboat. I put my +hand on the stove quite by accident that morning. The stove was so hot +that it burned my hand." + +"You don't say?" + +"Yes. Now explain how that stove happened to be hot," continued Harriet. + +"That's easy. Somebody had had a fire in it," nodded Jane. + +"Exactly. And not long before we went aboard. Then there were bread +crumbs on the floor. Jane, some person had been living on that boat. You +remember how anxious Dee Dickinson was that we should not go to the boat +until he had first been there?" + +"Yes, but what has that to do with the cutting of the rope, last night, +and losing the boat?" + +"I don't know. That the two puzzles have some connection I am positive. +What we wish most, just now, is to find the 'Red Rover.'" + +"There's something red on the shore; it looks like a fire!" cried Jane, +pointing excitedly. "Oh, if it should be the boat." + +Harriet ceased rowing and quickly turned her head over her right +shoulder. She gazed, at first half startled, then uttered a cry of +delight. + +"It's the 'Red Rover.' Don't you see? Hurrah! We've found the boat. It's +the sun shining on those red sides that made it look like a fire." + +Harriet swung the prow of the boat and began rowing shoreward with all +her might. After a few minutes of rowing she drove the boat in alongside +of the "Red Rover," then leaped out on the shore. The unknown miscreant +having cut her from her moorings the houseboat had drifted down the +lake. She had stranded among a forest of rushes, the bottom of the boat +being hard and fast on the gravel. + +The girls breathless with excitement, climbed aboard. The after-half of +the house floor was under water. There were fully two feet of water in +the stern. In the after cockpit were several bushels of sand and gravel +that had been thrown up by the wind and waves during the night. + +"Oh, the villains, to do a thing like this!" raged Jane. She started to +run aft for a pail but losing her footing on the slippery floor she went +sprawling and splashing into the water. Jane scrambled up, wet from head +to feet. + +"Oh, me! Oh my! What a mess!" + +Harriet leaned against the side of the cabin screaming with laughter. +Jane looked at her an instant, then, joined in the merriment. + +"You are a sight!" gasped Harriet. + +"Why shouldn't I be? I've been in the water? Are we going to stand here +and laugh all the morning, or are we going to get busy?" + +For answer Harriet Burrell picked up a pail and began bailing out the +cockpit. Jane, dripping, took up another pail and together the girls +worked feverishly. There were several barrels of water in the cockpit, +so their backs were aching by the time they had finished bailing out the +water. The stern of the boat now floated clear, but the forward end was +hard and fast on the ground. + +"The next thing is to get the boat off the gravel," announced Harriet. + +"Maybe we can hitch the rowboat on and drag the 'Red Rover' off," +suggested Jane. + +Harriet shook her head. + +"It won't work. We shall have to drag it off by main force. You can't be +any wetter, and I'm not afraid of a little water. Let's get outside the +boat and see what we can do." + +A few seconds later as they took hold and directed their strength to the +task of moving the heavy boat, Harriet's feet slipped from under her. +She fell over into the water, coming up coughing, the water streaming +from her hair and shoulders, and falling into the lake in a shower. Jane +screamed with delight. "You're wet all right, now! No mistake about +that," jeered Crazy Jane. "And what have we done? Moved the old tub +three quarters of an inch. At this rate we'll have her afloat about +supper time. I wish I had my car hitched to it. I'd drag the old thing +out so fast it would make her dizzy." + +Harriet had grasped the edge of the boat, tugging with all her might. +Jane dashed around to the other side, adding her strength to the task. +The boat gave way with such suddenness that both girls fell into the +lake. But they did not care. They could get no wetter. Therefore they +laughed and joked over their bedraggled condition. The "Red Rover" +floated clear of the rushes. + +"Do the best you can. I'll get the rowboat," cried Harriet, splashing +toward the shore. Her clothes were so heavy with water that they impeded +her movements. She shoved the rowboat out, and, leaping in, rowed it out +into the lake with strong sweeps of the oars. In a few moments she was +alongside. + +"The rope is too short. What shall we do?" called Jane. + +"There is a rope attached to this boat. I think it will be long enough +for towing. Wait, I'll toss it to you. Make it fast. The boat is heavy +and we are going to have a hard pull, but I don't dare leave it here +until we can get help." + +Jane waded over to the rowboat for the rope. She made it fast; then, +getting behind the houseboat, she pushed while Harriet rowed. The "Red +Rover" started but slowly. It was all the two girls could do to get it +in motion. Then when, finally, they had gotten under way with it, Jane +was obliged to wade out in water nearly to her neck to reach the +rowboat. She nearly upset it in getting aboard. Two pairs of oars, +instead of one, were now bent to the work of towing the houseboat. The +boat went broadside to the waves, nearly pulling them overboard. They +saw that it would be impossible to tow it to the Johnson dock in this +fashion. + +"One of us must row and the other steer," declared Harriet. + +"I'll do the rowing. You've had your share," cried Jane. "Wait, I'll +pull you alongside." + +"No. You must keep the oars going, or the big boat will drift back into +shallow water again. I'll get back there all right." Harriet unshipped +her oars and stood up in the boat. She took a clean, curving dive into +the lake. Jane shouted delightedly. + +"What a beauty!" + +Harriet came up, shaking her head to free it from water, then struck out +for the houseboat. Getting aboard, weighted down by her clothes as she +was, was not an easy task. Finally, however, the girl managed to get one +foot over the edge. She clung there for a moment breathing heavily, then +slowly climbed aboard. + +"Hur-r-r-ro-o-o-o!" wailed Jane. "They can't stop a Meadow-Brook Girl +with fire or water." + +"Now pull," shouted Harriet, "I'll change places with you when you get +tired." + +"I'll rest when I get tired," was the very practical reply of Crazy Jane +McCarthy. + +Harriet took the tiller and straightened out the scow's course, though +she discovered that the old boat was a most unmanageable craft. It +simply would not keep on any one course for more than thirty seconds at +a time. Jane was shouting her directions, making sarcastic remarks about +Harriet's steering, but the latter merely smiled. She knew she was doing +the best she could, and that was all any one could do. Jane was making +but slow headway. They had not yet rounded the point that hid the +Johnson dock from view. Her strokes became uneven, and jerky. All at +once the rope broke. Crazy Jane McCarthy landed in the bottom of the +rowboat. + +"Save me," she screamed. + +Harriet, who could not see the small boat, the deck house being in the +way, continued on her course, smiling good-naturedly at Jane's noisy +objections. But all at once a crash and a yell startled Harriet. She +threw the tiller over and leaned far out. The rowboat was +bottom-side-up, with Crazy Jane McCarthy struggling in the water. Her +mouth was too full of water, just at that moment, to allow her to raise +an outcry. The momentum of the houseboat carried it alongside the +overturned rowboat, Harriet leaned over and grasped one of her +companion's arms. + +"Why, Jane! You shouldn't have stopped rowing to go in for a swim." + +"Go in for a swim!" exploded Jane. "And didn't you run me down. Look at +the boat, will you! Now, what are we going to do, will you tell me?" + +"The first thing is to get you on board. After that I don't know." + +Crazy Jane was dragged aboard the "Red Rover." She lay clinging to the +gunwale, laughing immoderately. + +"It's a fine start we are having, darling isn't it, now!" + +"A wet one," amended Harriet. "See! The rowboat is drifting ashore. You +stay on board. I'm going after it. I'm not tired. Keep the houseboat +away from the shore, if you can." + +Harriet sprang into the water, swimming leisurely shoreward. Reaching +the rowboat, she took hold of and clung to it, drifting ashore with it. +The houseboat also was coming in. Jane was shouting to her companion to +hurry. Harriet was doing the best she could under the circumstances, +struggling with all her strength to right the rowboat. By the time she +had succeeded in doing so, the "Red Rover" was fairly on top of her. + +"Steer out!" cried Harriet warningly. + +"I can't steer in or out," flung back Jane. + +Harriet began tugging at the rowboat to get it out of the way of the +oncoming houseboat. The former had grounded in the shallow water. The +houseboat caught the stranded rowboat, turned it over and slowly ground +it under its prow, accompanied by the sound of crushing planks. Harriet +was caught and thrown down, disappearing under the bow of the "Red +Rover." + + + + +CHAPTER III + +SETTING UP HOUSEKEEPING + + +Jane, receiving no answer to her calls, ran up on top of the house. A +quick glance about showed her that Harriet was nowhere in sight. Jane +did not dare to dive, knowing that the water was shallow. She jumped, +feet first, instead, landing in the shallow water with great force. + +"She's under there!" cried the girl, staggering toward the bow of the +houseboat. Putting her shoulders against it she shoved the heavy boat +back a little. Harriet Burrell came to the surface, then made a feeble +attempt to swim. Jane picked her up and carried her ashore; or, rather, +dragged her there, for, impeded by the water, Jane found Harriet too +heavy a burden. + +Harriet was gasping. She had held her breath until she could hold it no +longer. The result was that she had swallowed considerable water. Crazy +Jane was working over her. It was but a few minutes before Harriet +Burrell had wholly recovered from the effects of the recent catastrophe. +She was considerably bruised and was rendered nervous by her trying +experience. + +"Is--is the small boat damaged?" she gasped. + +"Never mind the small boat. There are more boats where that came from," +answered Jane. "You lie down here while I go for another boat. Shall I +get some one to help us?" + +Harriet shook her head. + +"If we are going to be fresh water sailors we must learn to do things +for ourselves." + +"That's what I say," agreed Jane, nodding with great emphasis. "But are +you sure you are all right?" + +"I'm awfully wet, Jane." + +"That's nothing. We'll be wet many a time before we get through with +this cruise." + +"We shall have to get started first," answered Harriet, chuckling. "Run +along for another boat. I'll try to keep the 'Red Rover' off the shore +while you are gone. Hurry!" + +Jane ran toward the landing, still some distance away. There were +several boats tied up there. She helped herself to one and rowed back +with all speed. She espied Harriet out in the lake with the houseboat, +where the latter had succeeded in pushing it and was doing her best to +keep the craft from drifting back to the shore. Jane brought a rope with +her that she had taken from a third boat. This she quickly made fast to +the scow, then began pulling it out into the lake. The wind had died out +and the rowing was found to be much easier, though of course, the "Red +Rover" was as heavy and cumbersome as before. + +"We'll make it," cried Jane encouragingly. + +It was a full half hour later when Harriet steered the houseboat +alongside the pier. The girls made fast, then threw themselves down on +the dock, utterly exhausted from their efforts. + +In the meantime, Miss Elting and the other girls, becoming worried over +the long absence of Crazy Jane and Harriet, had left the hotel, starting +out for Johnson's dock on foot. They found Harriet and Jane making the +boat more secure, preparatory to leaving for the hotel. + +"Why, girls, whatever is the matter? You are wet through! Go up to the +hotel and get into dry clothes at once. You will both catch cold. You +are too late for breakfast, too. What happened to you?" exclaimed Miss +Elting. "You are certainly bedraggled looking specimens." + +Harriet told the guardian of their search for the "Red Rover." Miss +Elting frowned. The message from her brother was still in her pocket. +She recalled the peculiar actions of Dee Dickinson, wondering if +perchance he had anything to do with the casting adrift of their +houseboat, Harriet had not told the guardian of having found a hot stove +on the occasion of their first visit to their summer home. That, +perhaps, might have enlightened the guardian. + +Now that Miss Elting and the other girls were there to unload the +automobile, Jane and Harriet turned to go. + +"We will begin to settle while you girls go to town for breakfast," +called the guardian after them. + +"You will have to wait a while until the rear end of the boat dries +out," returned Harriet. "I don't think it will take long. But, in the +meantime, there are the windows and the walls that need fixing." + +The other girls and the guardian fell to work while Jane and Harriet +were at breakfast, and dainty chintz curtains were draped over each +window. There were green shades hung over the windows also, but these, +during the day, were to be rolled up out of sight. + +Jane and Harriet changed their wet clothing, ate breakfast and returned +early in the forenoon. With them they brought a chart of the big lake +that they had bought of a boat owner. While in the village Jane also had +paid for the damaged rowboat and arranged for another, as it would be +necessary to have a rowboat with them at all times. A new anchor, this +time a real one, was purchased and piled into the automobile. + +The girls worked all that day setting their cabin to rights. It was to +them a delightful task, and late in the afternoon the cabin of the "Red +Rover" was as homelike a place as one could wish. Covers had been made +for the folding cots, so that by day they offered attractive lounging +places. The upper deck had some rough seats, made by the carpenter who +had put up the awning. Then there were boxes for plants, in case the +girls should wish to have flowers. But it was the interior of the cabin +that was the real delight. The white walls and green trimmings gave it a +fresh, cool appearance. One could scarcely have believed this to be the +lumbering, dirty, old fishing scow of a few days since. Bert Elting +never would have recognized the craft in its new dress. + +That night the Meadow-Brook Girls decided to have their first meal on +board. They also decided to clear away and set sail before sitting down +to the meal. Jane drove her car to town, leaving it at a garage, after +which she walked back to the dock. She found the "Red Rover" ready to +sail. The girls were discussing the question of where to go for an +anchorage for the night. + +"Is that all?" called Jane. "Leave it to the boat. She'll find a place +for herself. Say, I'm not going to try to tow that house out of here +with all these boats about." + +There were launches and steamers coming in constantly. The waters in +that vicinity were dotted with rowboats and small skiffs as well. Jane +did not like the idea of dragging out the "Red Rover" through that +gathering of craft. Neither did Harriet Burrell. Jane was looking over +the launches and their occupants as they came up to the dock either to +take on or discharge passengers. All at once she pounced upon two boys, +who had left a third boy on the dock and bade him good-bye. + +"Will you give us a tow?" demanded Jane. + +"Where do you want to go?" answered one of the lads, touching his cap. + +"Which way are you going?" + +"Down the lake." + +"That's the way we are going. Say, which way is down the lake?" she +asked Harriet in a whisper. The latter indicated the direction by a wave +of the hand. + +"We'll give you a rope and tell you when you are to drop us," added +Jane. + +The boys regarded the houseboat rather dubiously. They did not know +whether or not their little launch would be able to tow it. Jane and +Harriet explained to their companions that they were to have a tow. Then +the two girls made fast the line, carrying the latter to the motor boat, +after which they cast off from the pier. + +The Meadow-Brook Girls uttered a cheer, as the "Red Rover" slowly +drifted sideways clear of the dock. The dock was thronged with people, +all of whom were now observing the houseboat. The latter's upper deck +held the girls, with the exception of Jane, who was at the helm to steer +as soon as their craft had been turned about and headed in the right +direction. The houseboat came about slowly; then, as the motor boat +chugged away the line grew taut and the "Red Rover" began to move. + +"You give me steering directions, Harriet," cried Jane. + +"I will wave to you. That will be better than shouting." + +"Whatever you say." + +"Look out!" + +A heavy shock, following Harriet's warning, caused Jane to shove the +tiller hard over. The girls were piled in a heap on the upper deck and +it seemed as though the front part of the houseboat must have been +crushed. + +Loud, threatening voices forward brought Crazy Jane to the upper deck +instantly. Then she saw what had occurred. The "Red Rover" had taken a +sudden dive to the left, colliding with an anchored sailboat. + +"If you don't know how to steer, keep off the lake!" raged the owner, +shaking both fists at the red terror. + +"If you don't know how to keep out of the way, then you ought to get +pushed off the lake," flung back Jane McCarthy defiantly. + +Harriet laid a hand on her arm. + +"Don't argue with them, Jane. It isn't well-bred to do a thing like +that." + +The launch was sputtering away trying to extricate the "Red Rover" from +its position, which, by this time, was broadside against the sailboat. +The "Red Rover" was rising and falling, each time rubbing off some red +paint onto the white sides of the yacht. With each blotch of paint, so +acquired, the anger of the owner of the yacht increased. It was +fortunate for the Meadow-Brook Girls that they succeeded in getting away +promptly. Jane was getting more and more angry, and Harriet had all she +could do to restrain her companion. + +But their troubles were not yet ended. The "Red Rover" plunged through +the fleet, smash-into a sailboat here, nearly sinking a rowboat there, +grazing the side of a steamer, rubbing off some more paint in the +operation, and continuing her voyage of destruction by smashing in the +gunwale of a launch that was unfortunate enough to be anchored within +range of the "Red Rover's" tow line. Jane's steering was anything but +skilful. She steered too much, not giving the boat half a chance to +respond to one turn of the tiller, before she turned it the other way. +But Harriet Burrell offered no suggestions. At least, she remained +silent until after the "Red Rover" had upset a canoe, spilling a young +man and two girls into the lake. It was then that Harriet sprang down +and casting off the rowboat pulled to their rescue. It was well that she +did so, for neither of the girls could swim. + +The motor boat that was towing the "Red Rover" had stopped instantly but +the "Red Rover" was still drifting, managing to collide with two more +small boats before finally coming to a stop. In the meantime, Harriet +had hauled the dripping girls aboard her rowboat, and assisted the young +man to right his canoe. The girls refused to get into it again. + +"Bring the young ladies aboard and let us give them some dry clothes," +called Miss Elting. + +"They wish to be put ashore here," answered Harriet. + +"We are very sorry that we have caused you all this trouble. Our boat +doesn't seem to steer well. I don't know what the trouble is," continued +the guardian. + +The two girls were very courteous about the matter. They assured Miss +Elting and Harriet that they knew the accident had been unavoidable, and +that it had been more their fault than the "Red Rover's." The young man, +however, was inclined to grumble. Harriet put the wet girls ashore, +where they were followed by their companion. The "Red Rover" then moved +on, following a zig-zag course, narrowly missing running into other +boats, until finally one of the lads in the motor boat put his hands to +his lips and shouted: + +"How much farther are you folks going?" + +Harriet consulted with Miss Elting. + +"If you will be good enough to tow us into that cove just ahead, we +shall be very much obliged," answered Harriet. The motor boat was +instantly headed toward the cove. Harriet chuckled. "They are eager to +be rid of us, and I don't blame them at all." + +"They look like nice boys. I think I will invite them to come aboard," +decided the guardian. Harriet nodded her approval. When, finally, the +houseboat had been dragged in, Harriet shouted to the boys to cast off. +It was then that Miss Elting asked them to come aboard. The boy at the +wheel said they would come some other time, that they were obliged to +get back to their camp farther down the lake. They would accept no pay +for their towing and chugged away, waving their hands, leaving a snowy +wake behind them. + +Harriet had already climbed down, and, with a long string, at the end of +which had been tied the piece of broken poker from the old stove, was +taking sounding to get the depth of water. + +"Eight feet. That's deep enough. Jane! Come help me put over the anchor, +please," she called. + +The anchor went over with a splash, after which the rope was tied to a +heavy hard wood cleat that the carpenter had secured to the forward +lower deck. The "Red Rover" drifted to the end of its anchor rope, then +swung to the gentle breeze that was blowing. + +"Thank goodness we aren't at the bottom of the lake," exclaimed Crazy +Jane. + +"It's the other folks who have reason to be thankful," answered Harriet +smilingly. "Now let's get supper. We have a lot to do, and even more to +discuss." + +"Had we not better work in closer to shore?" questioned the guardian, +regarding the wooded cove critically. + +"No, I think not. I have my reasons for wanting to be away from the +shore," answered Harriet. + +It would have perhaps been better had they chosen some other location +for their anchorage, for the night in the cove was to be a trying one +for the Meadow-Brook Girls and another of those mysterious happenings +that had so disturbed them was to overtake them at the very beginning of +the cruise of the "Red Rover." + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +A SUDDEN AWAKENING + + +"There! I knew we had forgotten something." + +"What have we forgotten, Jane?" + +"An ice box, Miss Elting. How are we to keep our food without an ice +box?" + +"But, my dear, what would be the good of an ice box without ice?" + +"That's so. I hadn't thought of that. Where would we get our ice?" + +"That ith eathy," piped Tommy. "Get your ithe out of the lake, of +courthe. I never did thee thuch thtupid people. Did you thuppothe they +got ithe on land? That it grew in the fieldth?" + +"No, darlin'. We didn't suppose anything of the sort. But knowing so +much, please tell us how we are to get ice from the lake in the good old +summer time? Answer me that question, will you now?" + +"That ith tho," reflected Tommy. "Really, I hadn't thought of it that +way. I gueth I wath too previouth." + +"Grace!" rebuked Miss Elting, "I am amazed at your using such +expressions. You really must be more careful of your language." + +"Yeth; I will." + +"Until the next time," muttered Harriet, an amused smile hovering about +the corners of her mouth. Harriet was busily engaged in getting supper. +"Bring me a pail of water, please," she called. "We must put the water +on to heat so that we can wash dishes directly after supper. Dishes +mustn't go unwashed on board the 'Red Rover,' no matter whatever else +may be neglected." + +Jane was setting the table. The dishes that they had purchased were not +expensive. Rather were they strong and serviceable, but even at this, +the table looked very pretty. Miss Elting had gathered a bunch of wild +flowers and these had been placed in a pitcher and stood in the centre +of the table. Of course the chairs were camp stools. In this instance +they were provided with backs, which made them quite comfortable. Soon +beefsteak was broiling over the fire, potatoes were frying in the pan +and the tantalizing fragrance of coffee filled the air. + +"Bring the drinking water, Tommy. And look out that you don't fall with +it. We can't afford to buy dishes every day. Will you be careful?" + +"Yeth; I'll be careful." + +"Hurry back. Supper will be on the table by the time you get below +again." + +Tommy, pitcher in hand, ran up the ladder to the deck above, Harriet and +Miss Elting, in the meantime, putting the food on the table. + +"Tom-m-m-y-y-y!" called Jane after some minutes had elapsed. "The little +girl has gone to sleep up there, I'll wager." + +A scream, followed by a loud splash, startled the passengers on board +the "Red Rover." They rushed for the door. + +"Tommy's fallen overboard!" yelled Harriet. + +Beaching the lower deck they saw one little white hand holding aloft a +pitcher, and lower down, scarcely discernible, a bit of tow hair and a +freckled nose. + +"Thave me!" wailed Tommy. + +"We ought to leave you," flung back Margery. "What's the matter? Can't +you swim?" + +"Yeth. But the pitcher can't." + +Knowing that Tommy could take care of herself in the water, no one went +overboard to her rescue. Harriet flung out a coil of rope. + +"Grab it!" she commanded. Tommy needed no second invitation to do so. +She grasped the rope with one hand, still clinging to the pitcher with +the other and holding it above the water. In this position Harriet drew +her in. The pitcher was rescued before they helped the little girl to +the deck. + +"Ith thupper ready?" demanded Tommy, after getting aboard. + +"Yes, it is and it's getting cold," answered Harriet. + +"Then I gueth I'll thit down and eat." + +"Not until you get off those wet clothes," answered Jane. "How did you +come to fall overboard?" + +"I--I wath trying to walk on the railing," explained the girl lamely. "I +thtubbed my toe and fell in." + +"Oh, help!" moaned Margery. Tommy shot a threatening look at her. + +"I can thwim. Buthter ith too fat to thwim." With that parting shot, +Tommy hastened inside the cabin and proceeded to change her wet clothing +for dry garments. The other girls sat down to their supper, without +waiting for her. + +None of them, ever had eaten a meal under quite such novel conditions. +Through the open door at one end they could see the lake, touched with +the gorgeous red and gold of the setting sun. A pleasant breeze was +drifting through the cabin from door and window, while the slight motion +of the boat rather added to than took from the keen enjoyment of the +hour. + +"I have been wondering what we shall do in case the water gets really +rough?" said Jane. + +"We shall have to put something on the table to keep the dishes from +sliding off," replied Harriet. + +"That would be like an ocean steamer. On the tables there they have +racks, strips running the full length of the table--usually brass--and +others standing on edge at right angles to them. This leaves squares +about the size of a plate and the strips keep the dishes from sliding +off the table. They are called racks by the passengers. Among sailors +they are known as 'fiddles,'" explained the guardian. + +"Yeth, but the thoup will thpill over jutht the thame," observed Tommy +from the cabin. + +"Your soup will not, for I'm going to eat it," jeered Margery. + +Tommy hurried forth, fastening her collar as she walked. She was taking +no chances of losing her supper. + +"Speaking of food," reflected Harriet. "Why can't we take our meats and +other perishable things and put them in a pail which we can weight down +until it sinks? That will keep the food cool." + +"Yes. But what will you do with it when the boat is moving?" asked the +guardian. + +"If I have to row the small boat, and pull the 'Red Rover,' it won't +move fast enough to harm the pail," spoke up Jane. "Do we have to drag +this tub all over the lake?" + +"I am afraid we shall have to do so when we wish to move." + +"Then it's my own self for a tug," declared Crazy Jane. "I shall go out +to-morrow looking for a good stout steam tug. I wonder if there is such +a thing in this neighborhood?" + +"Maybe they have one at the farm houthe up there on the hill," suggested +Tommy. But not a smile did her observation draw from her companions. + +"No, Jane. We aren't going to let you spend any more money for us. We +are out to rough it, and we are going to do so. We must get along by +ourselves," announced Miss Elting. "Of course it was different when +those young men towed us out, and now and then we may accept a tow. The +way to do will be to make short journeys, not to try to take long trips. +Moving by easy stages we should be able to make the complete circuit of +the lake before the vacation is ended." + +"How long is the lake?" questioned Harriet. + +"About thirty miles in a straight line, I believe." + +"Thirty miles," groaned Crazy Jane. + +"Oh, help!" moaned Margery. + +"Thave uth!" lisped Grace. + +"I thought you girls wanted recreation and exercise," laughed the +guardian. + +"Why, of course we do, Miss Elting," declared Harriet. + +"Of course," agreed Jane, nodding. "But dragging a house all around a +thirty-mile lake is neither exercise nor recreation. It's hard labor. If +you don't think so just get out and drag us around this cove +once--_Once!_" + +"I have a plan," announced Harriet. + +"It's a good one, if Harriet Burrell thought it out," returned Miss +Elting smilingly. "What is your plan, Harriet?" + +"Some of you may not like the idea, but it is an excellent one, I am +sure. This is my idea. When we decide to cross the lake, if we do, I +would suggest waiting until some day when the wind is blowing directly +across. Then we can tow the 'Red Rover' out with the rowboat until the +wind catches us. The rower should then get aboard the houseboat, after +which the wind will carry us all the way across the lake. How do you +like it?" + +"Oh, thave me!" piped Tommy. + +"Yes. You need some one to save you about once every five minutes I'm +thinking, Tommy Thompson. Now, if Crazy Jane had thought out such a +plan, no one would have been surprised. But for Harriet Burrell to do +so--oh, my!" exclaimed Jane. + +"I do not think the plan feasible," declared Miss Elting. "I am not +saying that it would not work, but I don't believe I care to trust +myself to drift across the lake in a gale. No, thank you. We will keep +to the shore. Remember, we are on the water, Harriet." + +"Yes. And it isn't so long ago since we were in it," nodded Jane. "Tommy +was the last to be in it. Please pass the potatoes. This life at sea +does sharpen one's appetite. It wouldn't do for me to go to sea really. +I'd get so hungry between meals that I'd gnaw the masts off short." + +"I really can't eat another mouthful!" exclaimed Tommy. "I gueth I'll go +up on deck and walk thome." + +"And I guess you will stay right here and wash the dishes with me," +commanded Margery Brown. "Do you think I am going to wash them alone, +while you promenade on deck? Not I!" + +"I had forgotten about the dithheth. But I've got a plan about that. You +jutht put the dithheth in a bag and thouthe them up and down in the +lake. Then you put them on deck till they dry off. Now, ithn't that a +plan? That ith a better plan than Harriet thaid jutht now." + +"I feel sorry for your house if you ever own one," laughed Harriet, +beginning to clear off the table. + +"Yeth tho do I. But I feel more thorry for the folkth who have to live +with me." + +"I propose that we all take a hand in doing the work," suggested +Harriet. "The evening is so fine that we should enjoy it together. I'll +clear off the table." + +"And I'll brush it," offered Jane. "Then I'll sweep the floor. Say, this +is fine. All one has to do with the rubbish is just to drop it +overboard. The fishes will come and clean it up. It's easy to keep house +on a houseboat. We're going to have a fine time this summer. I feel it +in my bones." + +The supper work was cleared away quickly. Jane filled the hanging lamps, +while Harriet trimmed and filled the lantern that was to be put out as a +night light so that other craft should not run into them during the +night. + +"All hands on deck!" commanded Harriet, after the last of the work had +been finished. + +"That reminds me. We must elect our officers," said Miss Elting, after +the girls had climbed to the pleasant upper deck. "Whom shall we have +for our captain?" + +"I gueth Harriet will make a good captain," suggested Tommy. + +The girls agreed to this. + +"I suggest then, that Jane McCarthy be chief officer--that is, the next +in line to the captain--with Margery as purser, Hazel as third officer, +and Tommy, what would you like to be?" asked Miss Elting. + +"I gueth I'll be the pathenger," decided little Tommy wisely. + +There was a chorus of protests at this. + +"You and I will be the fourth and fifth officers respectively," +announced the guardian. + +"What doeth the fourth offither do?" + +"Not much of anything." + +Tommy nodded approvingly. + +"Then I am that," she announced. "Harriet ith a good captain. Harriet +knowth thomething about everything." + +Harriet shook her head. She protested that she knew nothing at all about +any boat larger than a rowboat. To be the captain of a scow, was +something of a responsibility. She knew that she would have to be +captain in fact as well as in name, and that the navigation and +protection of the craft would be on the shoulders of Jane McCarthy and +herself. + +"There is one thing I do not know, Tommy," answered Harriet. "I don't +know how this captain is ever going to get along with the crew she has. +I fear she will have to ship a new crew. Perhaps you'll be glad of that, +eh, dears?" + +"Tommy would be willing if, as she already has said, she could be the +whole passenger list," chuckled Miss Elting. + +The girls joked and talked until the night had fallen. A few faint rays +of light filtered through the cabin windows and the dim light from the +anchor lantern that hung at the stern of the boat was their only +illumination. + +Harriet got up and walked to the bow of the boat, now pointed outward. +She sniffed the air. + +"Well, what is it, Captain?" inquired Jane. + +"Wind," answered Harriet. "The wind is freshening, and it's blowing +straight into the little cove here. The 'Red Rover' will be straining at +its leashes like an angry dog before morning, unless the wind veers, +which I hardly think will be the case." + +"Hooray for Captain Burrell!" cried Crazy Jane. + +The sky was overcast and the wind, as Harriet had said, was freshening +rapidly. She went to the lower deck to test the anchor rope. The anchor +was holding firmly. The wind was now blowing so strongly that the girls +found little comfort in sitting on the upper deck. All hands went below. +With the front cabin door closed the cabin was a comfortable and cosy +place in which to sit. But the cabin floor was acquiring an unpleasant +habit of rising and falling. Tommy's face, ordinarily pale, had grown +ghastly, but she pluckily kept her discomfort to herself. As a matter of +fact the little girl was suffering from a mild attack of seasickness. + +"I--I gueth I'll go to bed," she stammered. "Will thomebody pleathe take +off my thhoeth? If I bend down I'll thurely fall over on my nothe." + +There was a shout at this. Both Harriet and Jane knelt on the floor to +remove the shoes that Tommy feared to unbutton. They assisted her into +her cot, after which they arranged their own, each girl preparing for +bed behind a curtain that had been strung across the cabin, thus making +part of the kitchen a dressing room. In the daytime the curtain was +drawn back. + +Harriet was the last to retire. She sat up for an hour after the others +had retired, rather anxiously watching the weather and the anchor rope, +together with the behavior of the "Red Rover." The latter was riding the +swells finely and with much less motion than might have been looked for +in the fairly heavy sea that was running into the cove. At last, well +satisfied that the boat would ride out the moderate blow, Harriet +entered the cabin and extinguishing the lamp prepared for bed, leaving +only the solitary anchor light outside to dispel the gloom. + +As the night went on, the seas grew with it. Great swells were sweeping +into the cove, and the "Red Rover" was at times rolling heavily. Once in +the night Harriet got up and staggered out through the rear door, whence +she made her way to the upper deck. From there, with the spray dashing +over her, she gazed off over the water. The moon had come up, and she +could see fairly well; some light being furnished by it, though heavy +clouds intervened. White-capped waves dashed against the boat. It was +unusually rough for a lake of its size. She inhaled deeply the strong, +bracing air, until, discovering that she was getting wet from the spray, +the girl hurried below and crawled into her cot, shivering a little. +Then she fell into a deep sleep, soothed by the rocking of the boat. + +Tommy was moaning in her sleep. The others appeared to be sleeping +soundly. It was late in the night when Harriet was awakened by a +terrific crash. It seemed to her as though something had collided with +the "Red Rover." Then came a second crash, much louder than the first. +The second was followed by a sound of breaking woodwork. A draught of +cold air smote her in the face, then a huge volume of water swept into +the cabin overwhelming and half drowning the occupants. + +Cots were overturned, the oil stove went over with a crash, and the +table was hurled the length of the cabin, landing bottom side up at the +rear end of the cabin. + +A chorus of terrified, choking screams followed the second crash, that, +to their overwrought imaginations, seemed to have lasted for hours. + +"Thave me! We're thinking!" wailed Tommy Thompson. + +"Harriet! What has happened?" cried Miss Elting. + +"I--I don't know." + +The "Red Rover" lurched heavily to one side. The rush of water that +accompanied the lurch tumbled the Meadow-Brook Girls to the lower side +of the cabin. A volume of water rushed over them, and the furnishings of +the cabin were piled on top of them; in some instances a crushing weight +pinioned them to the floor. + +The houseboat had sustained a severe blow, though as yet they could not +determine the nature of it. To make the situation more terrifying the +cabin was in utter darkness. For a moment the voices of the Meadow-Brook +Girls were stilled; then a chorus of screams, more terrified than +before, rose from the lips of the frightened girls. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +LAND HO! + + +"Please--please keep quiet," cried Harriet, making herself heard above +the tumult. "Don't be frightened! We aren't sinking, and we are not +going to. Answer loudly when I call your names, so that I may know each +one of you is here." + +"Now," she continued after the frightened girls had answered to their +names. "We'll try to find out what happened. You see that the boat has +stopped pitching, and the side roll isn't as pronounced as it was." + +"What'th the anthwer?" piped Tommy. + +"I don't know--yet," Harriet confessed. "But I'm going to know." + +"The water is still coming in, and getting deeper," shivered Margery. + +"Get out through the rear door," Harriet commanded. "One at a time." + +"Which door is the rear one?" queried Crazy Jane. "All doors look alike +to me." + +"Move away from the direction that the water is coming from," Harriet +continued. + +Assisted by Jane McCarthy the girls obeyed Harriet's directions. Tommy +and Margery first, then Miss Elting and Hazel. In the cockpit the water +was not as deep, but Jane drove them all to the upper deck. + +"The captain must go last, you know," laughed Harriet, as she climbed up +to join them. + +By this time the girls were shivering with cold. The kimonos of washable +crepe in which they had elected to sleep during the cruise afforded them +little warmth. + +"Get close together and keep each other warm," called Miss Elting. + +"What! Sit down and shiver here all night long?" shouted Harriet. "No, +indeed. We must do something or we shall lose our boat." + +"Wha--at happened?" shivered Margery. + +"The waves smashed the front door in. That's all I know about it now." + +"Oh, look!" screamed Hazel. "It's land!" + +"Land, ho!" cried Crazy Jane. + +"Yes, I know," replied Harriet calmly. "We are on shore. We have been +blown partly ashore. I saw that a moment after we came out here. There +is no danger to us, but there is to the boat." + +"Did the anchor give way?" questioned the guardian, a sigh of relief +escaping her upon learning that the immediate danger was over. + +"I don't know. Jane! I want you. We must go to the front of the boat and +see what can be done to stop the water from coming in. Are you ready?" + +"All ready," called Jane. "Where away?" + +"Below there." + +"I want to go, too. I want to go down there and get thome dry clotheth," +wailed Tommy. + +"You'll look a long time on this boat before you'll find anything dry," +laughed Crazy Jane. "Get up and run. Sprint back and forth along this +slippery deck, and, if you don't fall down and break your precious +necks, you'll start your circulation and get warm. Run for it!" + +"Jane's advice is excellent, girls. Join hands and run back and forth, +while Jane and Harriet see what can be done for us," answered Miss +Elting. + +Jane and Harriet climbed down the aft ladder and made their way into the +cabin. Everything was afloat there. It was with difficulty that they +made their way through and out to the forward deck over which the waves +were still dashing. Both girls were knocked flat almost the instant they +stepped out into the rear cockpit. They were picked up an instant +afterwards, only to be hurled against the deck house by a second wave. +Neither girl screamed; for a moment or two they were too nearly drowned +to speak. The rear end of the boat being driven up on the shore, the +forward end lay several inches lower. The lower deck in that part of the +boat was entirely under water. + +"What are we going to do about it?" gasped Jane finally. + +Harriet was groping about on the deck, her head under water a good part +of the time. + +"I've found it," she cried. + +"Found what?" demanded Miss McCarthy. + +"The cleats." + +"Well, what are they?" + +"Maybe our last hope. Climb up to the top. I'll tell you my plan." + +Jane lost no time in getting up where the rest of the party were dancing +about the deck, trying their best to get warm, and succeeding but +poorly. + +"Harriet, don't you think we had better go ashore?" asked Miss Elting. + +"You will be little better off there. But wait. Yes, the very thing. I +was going to use that awning for something else. It is the only dry +thing on the boat. Come, Jane; we'll do the best we can under the +circumstances." + +Together the two girls got down the awning, which had once served them +as a tent. Assisted by Miss Elting they lugged it ashore and placing it +back far enough to be out of reach of the water, smoothed it out on the +ground. This would at least furnish them with a place to sleep. By this +time Tommy, Hazel and Margery had made their way ashore. + +"How I wish we had some matches now! I'd build a fire. Jane, do you +think that box of matches could have kept dry through all this?" +questioned Harriet. + +"It wouldn't do you any good if it had. How are you going to find it if +it is there?" + +"That's so. Now, I think we had better take all the things out of the +cabin. Most of the stuff may be gone by morning. Miss Elting, will you +stay with the girls?" asked Harriet. "Then they won't feel afraid. +Besides we shall only be in each other's way if more than two of us try +to work in that cabin in the dark. The first thing to be done is to try +to stop the water from beating in through that wrecked doorway. I have +an idea. Jane, see if you can find some rope. There should be some on +the upper deck." + +Jane McCarthy reported that there was no rope there. Harriet decided to +go on without it, believing that she knew a way to check the flood. +Calling Jane to assist her, the two girls carried the dining table out +to the upper deck. This they left there for the moment. + +"Now hand out the cots," directed Harriet. + +As this was being done, Harriet worked standing in water most of the +time. She placed the cots on edge across the doorway until three of them +had been set in place. Directing Jane to try to hold them in place, +Harriet grasped the table. This she braced against the cots. The table +held them in place. + +"Hurrah! We've done it. See if you can find some blankets in there. One +will do." + +After some searching about Jane announced that she had found a heavy +blanket. Acting under Harriet's directions Jane carried the blanket to +the upper deck and lowered it over the barricade of cots, weighting it +with heavy stones from the beach so that the end would remain on the +upper deck. + +Harriet was unable to get either to the upper deck or into the boat, +without danger of pulling down her barricade, so she promptly jumped +into the lake and waded ashore. She fell down several times before +reaching dry land, knocked over by waves that overtook her and laid her +low. She sat down on the beach gasping. + +"Come over here and rest a moment, Harriet," urged the guardian. + +"I am all right, thank you. I haven't time to think about resting. I am +going to try to get our belongings out of the boat. We aren't so badly +off as we might be." + +"If I had thome dry clotheth on I gueth I'd be all right," observed a +lisping voice from the darkness. "My kimono is thoaking wet." + +"Now, Jane, I'm ready," finally announced Harriet. "Let's get that stove +out first of all. I fear it is ruined." + +"Set the girls at it with dry leaves. They can wipe it dry and the +exercise will do them good," suggested Jane McCarthy. + +"Fine! Come!" + +The stove was carried out to the beach and stood up. Jane and Harriet +gathered leaves from weeds and bushes, together with such dry grass as +they were able to find in the darkness, heaping their plunder on the +canvas and directing the girls to polish the stove, hoping thereby to +keep it from rusting very badly. The occupation did Tommy, Hazel and +Margery good. They almost forgot their troubles for the time being. + +The bedding and the clothing were next carried out and spread on the +ground to dry. This, too, gave the girls on shore something to do. They +wrung the water out of the bedding and clothing as thoroughly as +possible. The clothing was then hung on nearby bushes. + +"I do not believe your clothing will be dry enough to wear until after +the sun shines on it," decided Miss Elting. + +The girls groaned dismally. They did not relish the idea of going about +in kimonos for the better part of the next forenoon. Harriet and Jane +paid little attention to their own discomfort, however, for there were +still many things to be done. The cabin had held quite a stock of +supplies. Cans of provisions lay all about the floor. The two girls were +unable to gather up their supplies in the darkness. The water would not +damage the canned goods, so they decided to let these remain where they +were for the time being. + +"I'll tell you what!" said Harriet, after pondering over the best course +to follow. "Let's take pails and go to bailing. Of course some water +will still leak in around the bottom cot, but we can bail out down to +that point. The water must come out. We might as well bail now as after +daylight. We won't get any wetter, and we don't mind lame backs, do we?" + +"We don't, if you say not," agreed Jane. "What the captain of the 'Red +Rover' orders, is to be done. Where are the pails?" + +"I think I remember having carried one outside." + +"Here's the other," called Crazy Jane, who, at that moment, fell over +the missing pail and went sprawling in the water. She rose to her feet, +dripping, but in great good humor. + +The two plucky girls set to work bailing. They did not wish to call in +their companions to help them, as they believed they could accomplish +more by themselves. Bailing out the boat was back-breaking work, and +there was so much water in the hold of the "Red Rover," that at first +their bailing seemed to have no effect whatever. Now and then they would +go ashore and throw themselves down for a brief rest. Miss Elting begged +them to do no more, but both Jane and Harriet were deaf to her +entreaties. They alternately bailed and rested until early in the +morning, when utterly exhausted from the strain of the past few hours' +work they were glad to throw themselves down on the canvas beside their +friends for a little rest. + +By this time the dawn had begun to break and soon after the sun shone +brightly. The wind had died down and the lake lay smooth and glassy in +the morning sunlight. + +"I'm going to try to get into that big chest that holds our clothes," +announced Harriet. "If it really is water tight, then we shall not have +to worry long about dry garments." + +"I'll go with you," said Miss Elting. + +The two women made their way to the cabin of the houseboat, where they +were soon joined by Jane. By their united efforts the barricade was +removed from the door, and as the water had almost subsided Harriet had +little difficulty in getting at the chest. + +"Hurrah!" she exclaimed as she turned the key which had been allowed to +stand in the lock, and lifted the lid. "Everything is all right. These +things are scarcely damp! Jane will you call the girls? We ought to +dress as quickly as possible." + +Fifteen minutes later the Meadow-Brook Girls and Miss Elting were +enjoying the luxury of clean, dry clothing. Their hasty toilets were +scarcely completed, however, when they heard the steady chug! chug of an +approaching motor boat. Harriet climbed to the upper deck and shading +her hands with her eyes looked out over the waters. Suddenly she +exclaimed: "Girls, girls! Look at that boat!" + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +CAPTAIN GEORGE MAKES A FIND + + +"Well, well, if it isn't the Meadow-Brook Girls." + +"It's Captain George Baker," cried Harriet, really overjoyed to meet +their old friend whom, last season, they had beaten in a cross country +contest of endurance and cleverness. + +The girls left the boat and ran down to the shore to welcome the +newcomers. The boys were calling their welcome before they had fairly +landed. With Captain Baker were his friends Dill Dodd and Sam Crocker, +and two other lads, whom Captain Baker introduced as Larry Goheen and +Billy Gordon. + +"Where are the rest of the tramps?" asked Miss Elting laughingly, +hurrying down to the beach to greet the boys. + +"In camp about two miles below here." + +"I believe we have met Mr. Gordon and Mr. Goheen before," said the +guardian. "They were good enough to give us a tow." + +"Yes," answered George. "They told us about that. Somehow, I half +suspected it to be you folks. After the storm of last night I wondered +how the houseboat with its crew of girls had fared, so we set out to +look for you this morning. We found you. Well, you are in a mess, aren't +you?" + +"Harriet and Jane were bailing water out of the boat nearly all night, +Captain Baker," Miss Elting informed him. + +"You certainly must have had a bad night," returned George Baker +sympathetically. + +The guardian related briefly the experience of the night. + +"Once more I take off my hat to you," said Captain Baker admiringly. +"And I take off my coat too. Fellows, all off with your coats! There's +work to be done here. How is your boat?" + +At this juncture Billy Gordon, who had been looking about the deck of +the houseboat, stepped ashore. + +"I don't think the hull is damaged at all. One door is smashed in and +things are pretty well soaked up. If you will permit it, we fellows will +clean up. There's a ton or more of sand and gravel in the after cockpit. +Have you a shovel?" + +The girls shook their heads. + +"We have a dutht pan," Tommy answered. + +"We will use that and a pail, if you have one." + +The lads started for the boat, having discarded their coats. + +"Oh, by the way, have you any matches?" asked Harriet. "We need some +coffee this morning, but we have nothing with which to build a fire." + +"Sam, you make a fire." + +"The oil stove may work," suggested Miss Elting. They tried it, but +there was still too much water in the tanks, so Sam built a fire on +shore, and shortly after Harriet and Jane were busily engaged in getting +breakfast, while the boys worked steadily in the houseboat. Finding +nails, saw and hammer, they patched up the broken door and hung it back +in place. Then they removed all the supplies that had been left aboard +and began cleaning up. They bailed the remaining water out, also +shoveling out the gravel and the sand, after which they scrubbed the +floor and the walls to a height of about three feet from the floor, +where the water had left a dark line on the white woodwork. + +An hour after the visiting boys had begun their work the cabin was ready +for occupancy again, but the quilts, sheets and blankets were still wet. +A larger fire was built. The boys rigged a clothes line about the +campfire and assisted the girls to hang up the wet bedding. By this time +the lads were hungry. They readily accepted the invitation of the +Meadow-Brook Girls to sit down with them to breakfast. The table and +chairs had been brought ashore, and there in the cove, with the trees +and bushes for a background, the Meadow-Brook Girls and the Tramp Club +sat down to breakfast. There was plenty of good cheer, though the faces +of the girls were pale, and Harriet and Jane looked particularly tired. + +"I'll tell you what you must do," declared Captain George during +breakfast. "When you wish to shift your position, let us know, and we'll +tow you about. Did your rope break?" + +Harriet confessed that she had not looked. The captain said he would +look into the matter after breakfast. The first thing to be done, after +getting the equipment back on board, would be to tow the "Red Rover" off +the shore. To do this they arranged to pass a rope to the launch, the +launch to pull ahead while some of the boys pushed on the houseboat. + +In the meantime, while waiting for the equipment to dry out, George and +his friend, Billy Gordon, who owned the launch, took Harriet and Jane to +town, where Jane wished to go to renew some of their supplies, as well +as to purchase a couple of flatirons with which to press their wet +clothing that had hung in the cabin when the deluge came. + +During the trip George had drawn out the story of their previous +disaster when they had drifted ashore, though Harriet refrained from +mentioning the fact that their anchor rope had been cut on that +occasion. From George's questions it was plain that he suspected +something was wrong, though Harriet failed to gratify his suspicions by +direct answers to direct questions. + +George explained, during the trip to the town, that the Tramp Club had +been invited by Billy Gordon, who owned the launch, to spend a few weeks +with him on the lake. He was to furnish the launch for their cruises, +while the boys supplied the camp equipment. Billy knew the lake and they +knew how to camp, and now that they had renewed acquaintance with their +old rivals, the Meadow-Brook Girls, the Tramp Club were glad they had +accepted Gordon's invitation. + +The trip to town was quickly made, and the two girls completed their +purchases with little loss of time, and were back on board the launch +within an hour from the time they had started. + +"Now," said George, after they had started on their return voyage, "is +there any place you wish to go?" + +"I want as soon as possible to get back to the boat and discuss with the +girls what is to be done," answered Harriet. + +"Well, can we help you? Is there anywhere you wish us to tow your +houseboat?" + +"Let me see," pondered Captain Burrell, "I think I should like to get +out of that cove. We haven't made any plans." + +"Then suppose we tow you over in front of our camp? We'll be handy, +then, in case you need us again." + +Harriet shook her head. + +"I don't think that would be best. You see, we wish to go it alone. We +don't wish to have to depend upon any one." + +"You don't have to do so. You are able to take care of yourselves. I'd +back the Meadow-Brook Girls against the world," declared George, +confidently, which aroused a laugh from the other occupants of the boat. +"We helped you this morning, did we not?" + +"Indeed, you did." + +"But they would have gotten out of the scrape without us," nodded Billy. + +"Surely we would," chuckled Crazy Jane. "We always do get out of our +scrapes, somehow. But we thank you just the same." + +"Indeed, we do," agreed Harriet earnestly. "I was about to say, when you +asked me if there were any place we wished to go, that we do wish to go +over to the other side of the lake some day soon, and--" + +"Any time," interrupted Billy. "I'll take you over to-day, if you say +the word." + +Harriet shook her head. + +"Boys, we've got business on hand to-day," said Jane briskly. "There is +plenty to be done. It will take us two days to get well settled again. +You will look us up occasionally, I am sure. We can then let you know +where and when we wish to go, can't we?" + +"Surely you can," agreed George enthusiastically. "But I'm sorry you +won't come to anchor near our camp." + +Harriet told him they should be moving frequently; that they hoped to be +able to make a complete circuit of the lake before they had finished +their vacation. George said that the boys, too, were going to move their +camp now and then. He told the girls the Tramp Club had planned to spend +a week on one of the islands in the lake, and that they would so arrange +the time as to do so when the Meadow-Brook party was in that vicinity. + +By the time they had reached the cove where the "Red Rover" lay the boys +who had remained behind had gotten nearly all the belongings aboard. +Miss Elting and the girls were helping them, Tommy taking it upon +herself to "boss" the whole job. + +As soon as the motor boat party had landed, Harriet said she must look +for the anchor rope, which had not been seen that morning. + +"I'll do that," offered Larry Goheen. "You ought to make it secure, so +that the boat can't get away," he added. + +"I thought I secured it last night. I made a stout loop and slipped it +over the cleat on the deck. I don't see how the boat could have gotten +away unless the rope broke, which it undoubtedly did." + +George said he would see about that. The rowboat had drifted ashore +unharmed. Captain George launched the boat and rowed out, paddling about +until finally they saw him stop and raise the end of a rope from the +water. + +"Bring the launch out here, Bill," he called. "Yes, I've found it, and +I've found something else too. There's been some crooked work here!" + +"What do you mean?" called Harriet. + +"I'll tell you when I come in. I've made a find, all right!" + +The captain had indeed made a find--one that more than confirmed the +suspicions he had formed earlier in the morning. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +A MYSTERIOUS NIGHT JOURNEY + + +Billy Gordon got aboard the launch and paddled it out to where Captain +Baker sat examining the rope, the end of which he had picked up from the +water. + +"What have you found? More mystery?" shouted Crazy Jane. + +"Yes. I'll tell you when I get ashore. What kind of an anchor have you +down here?" + +"Just an anchor, that's all," answered Harriet. "Why?" + +"Nothing. I was just wondering." + +George climbed over into the launch, tying the rowboat behind it. Then +the two lads hauled the anchor aboard the power boat. After examining +the anchor, they paddled the launch ashore, towing the smaller boat +behind them. + +"We have the old anchor. It's a good one too," announced Billy, stepping +ashore. "I take back all I said. George has some questions to ask you." + +"Yes," nodded young Baker. "Was the anchor rope in good condition when +you put out the anchor, Miss Burrell?" + +"So far as I know. Did it break?" + +"It broke, all right. Will you show me where you made it fast last +night?" + +Harriet led the way to the forward deck of the "Red Rover," pointing to +a hard wood cleat. + +"I made a loop in the rope and slipped it over the cleat, drawing it +tight. I do not see how it would be possible for the loop to slip off, +nor, in fact, for the rope to break." + +"Hm-m-m-m!" pondered George, feeling the cleat with critical fingers. +"Smooth. No chance for it to have worn through. There is something to be +explained in this affair, Miss Burrell." + +Harriet gazed searchingly at him, but said nothing. + +"I wish you would have a look at the rope. It's there on the shore. +Then, after you have examined it, tell me what you think about the +matter, but tell me just whatever you wish to. I'm not going to question +you about something you don't wish me to know." + +"What do you mean, Captain?" + +"Have you any enemies up here?" + +"I do not know of any. I have a rival here, though." + +"Eh? Who?" + +"You," answered Harriet, with a smile. + +"Oh!" Captain Baker flushed, then he laughed heartily. "That was last +summer. You beat us fairly. Of course we wanted to win the race home, +and so did you, but you won it fairly and squarely, and that's all there +was about it. We got you into trouble by stealing the melons and giving +them to you, but honestly, we didn't mean to have the farmer hold you +responsible." + +"We owe you something for telling George's fortune," laughed Sam. + +"Then pay your debts," retorted Harriet. + +"Don't you do anything of the sort, boys," warned Jane. "You know what +will happen to you, if you do." + +"What will happen?" demanded Baker, turning to Crazy Jane. + +"Oh, that would be telling. We should be even with you before we had +finished, you know. Girls are always more resourceful than boys." + +"I don't agree with you," retorted George Baker. + +"Do you wish us to prove it to you?" asked Harriet laughingly. + +"I'll give you a chance to fail," returned George. "As long as we're +going to spend our vacations on this lake we'll give you girls a chance +to prove your superiority as strategists. I'll wager you a No. 2 Brownie +Camera, to be the joint property of whichever side wins it, that the +Tramp Club can completely outwit the Meadow-Brook Girls three times +inside of three weeks. What do you say?" + +"Shall we accept the challenge, Miss Elting?" asked Harriet. "What do +you say, girls?" + +"Done!" chorused the girls and their guardian. + +"Very well," smiled Harriet. "The contest begins now, and of course all +unfair tricks are to be barred out by both sides." + +"Of course," agreed George. "But come along and have a look at the +rope." + +Harriet stepped briskly ashore, followed by Jane and the two boys. She +went directly to where the rope and the anchor lay. Picking up the +former she ran it through her hands until she came to the loop that had +been drawn about the cleat on the deck when the boat had been anchored +on the previous afternoon. The Meadow-Brook Girl held the loop on the +palm of her left hand, gazing at the rope reflectively. She frowned +slightly as she looked at it. + +"Well, what do you find?" questioned the captain briskly. + +Harriet glanced up at him quickly. + +"I understand," she said. + +"What is it, Harriet, dear?" asked Miss Elting. + +"Oh, what a mess!" muttered Jane, who had been looking over Harriet's +shoulder. "Here's more trouble for the Meadow-Brook Girls, and trouble +for somebody besides them, too." + +"You can see for yourself," replied Harriet, handing the end of the rope +to the guardian. + +"The loop has been cut!" exclaimed Miss Elting. + +Harriet nodded. + +"It has, indeed," agreed Jane. + +Miss Elting and Harriet Burrell exchanged significant glances. George +Baker observed the looks. He nodded to Billy. Larry Goheen winked +wisely. + +"There is something behind this business then, Miss Elting?" asked the +captain. + +"I don't mind admitting that there is, Mr. Baker," answered the +guardian. "What do you say, girls, shall we tell the boys?" she +inquired, turning to her wards. + +"If you think best," agreed Harriet. + +"Surely. Tell them. Maybe they'll be able to catch the rascal," urged +Jane McCarthy. + +"This is not the first time we have been troubled by some person who +wishes to annoy us," Miss Elting informed the Tramp Club. "Before we +began to live on the boat, and while we were getting it ready for +occupancy, some person did the same thing. That is, he cut the rope and +cast the boat adrift. It was anchored at Johnson's dock. Perhaps you do +not know where that is." + +"I know," spoke up Billy. "It's about two miles above here. That's where +we landed to-day, George." + +Captain Baker nodded. + +"How do you know they cast the 'Red Rover' adrift?" he asked. + +"The rope had been cut," replied Harriet Burrell. "It was just as Miss +Elting has told you. The anchor rope had been cut cleanly with a sharp +knife. This time the loop, instead of the rope, has been cut." + +"I thought you said you had no enemies," observed Sam Crocker. + +"Nor have we, as far as we know," answered the guardian. + +"I don't know what you would call the person who did this, then. This is +all the more reason why you should anchor near our camp." + +"Oh, no. We are perfectly able to take care of ourselves," smiled Miss +Elting. "Experiences such as these aid in making us self-reliant." + +"Have you a revolver on board?" questioned Gordon. + +"Miss Elting has a revolver," answered Jane. + +"We hope never to be forced to use it, however. The trouble is that our +friend doesn't show himself. But just wait. One of these fine nights +we'll catch him, then he'll take a bath in the lake." + +"You have no idea who he is?" + +"I can't say that we have," replied the guardian slowly. + +"Do you know Mr. Dickinson?" asked Harriet, looking sharply at Gordon. + +"Dee? Yes." + +"What sort of person is he?" + +"Oh, Dee's all right. He doesn't amount to a whole lot, but he is a good +fellow. Why?" He shot a suspicious glance at Harriet. + +"Nothing, except that he was looking after the boat for Miss Elting's +brother before we came down here." + +George put an end to the conversation by announcing that it was time +they got the "Red Rover" out. The motor boat was paddled out into deeper +water, then the houseboat was fastened to the motor boat and the power +started, while all the boys save two pulled and hauled on the heavy +houseboat. It floated slowly out into deeper water, while the girls +cheered the efforts of the Tramp Club. + +The anchor, in the meantime, had been put on board and a new loop made +at the end of the rope. The girls now climbed into the rowboat and were +rowed out to the "Red Rover," after which the motor boat began towing +the "Red Rover" into the lake, with Captain George Baker at the helm. He +had remained aboard to give further assistance, if needed. + +"This is the worst old tub to steer that ever I took hold of," he +declared. + +"We found it so," agreed Harriet. "You will get the knack of it soon. +When you do, you will find steering it rather easy." + +They reached a cove farther up the lake, shortly after noon. Here the +Meadow-Brook Girls decided to anchor, as there was a farmhouse on a +bluff a little way inland, where they thought they would be able to get +milk, eggs and vegetables. George decided that he would call in the +motor boat and return to camp, promising to come over and see them later +to get their orders for the following day. + +Miss Elting and her girls expressed their appreciation of the kindness +of Captain Baker and his friends. + +"We haven't done anything worth while yet," retorted Captain Baker. +"Perhaps we may give you a real opportunity to thank us, later on. On +the other hand, you may not wish to thank us," he added, with a +mischievous twinkle in his eyes. + +"Now, I wonder what the boy meant by that?" thought Crazy Jane, +regarding George shrewdly through half-closed eyes. + +Captain Baker went over the side, boarding the motor boat after he had +cast anchor for the girls and made everything snug. Then, with many +good-byes on both sides, the power boat chugged away toward the Tramp +Club camp, the Meadow-Brook Girls turning to the duties of the day. + +The first task was to get their clothing in condition. There was now no +one to interfere with them. Flatirons were put on the oil stove, which +was once more in working order, and the work of pressing out their +wrinkled clothing was begun. Harriet and Jane handled the irons. Miss +Elting took down the curtains, which also were sadly in need of ironing, +while Margery and Hazel prepared the noon meal. Tommy perched herself on +the rail of the upper deck, and caroled forth a lisping ditty. + +After dinner, Harriet and Jane rowed ashore and purchased supplies from +the farmhouse that they had observed on their way to the present +anchorage. The day passed all too quickly. Twilight was upon them almost +before they realized it. Supper was late that night, and ere they had +finished the dishes the motor boat drew up to them and the Tramp Club +swarmed over the side of the houseboat with merry greetings. + +"It is almost like being boarded by pirates," laughed Harriet. "In this +case the pirates are welcome." + +The boys had brought with them a bag of early apples, which Captain +Baker gravely assured them had been duly bought and paid for. The boys +also had brought their harmonicas, and later in the evening there was a +harmonica concert on the upper deck of the "Red Rover." Later on the +girls served their guests with cake and coffee. Larry Goheen, who, like +Jane McCarthy, was gifted with true Irish wit, was the life of the +party. He and Crazy Jane bandied words and said witty things to each +other to the delight of the rest of the company. + +The boys took their leave at ten o'clock. First, they left a lantern for +the houseboat, which George Baker lighted and set in place at the stern. +The anchor light of the houseboat had been lost in the storm of the +previous night, or else it had been stolen, which latter they doubted. +The girls were quite ready to retire, and lost no time in turning in +after the departure of their guests. Then quiet settled down upon the +"Red Rover." A gentle swell on the water lulled the girls into deep, +peaceful slumber, until after sunrise next morning. + +Tommy, for a wonder, was the first to get out of bed in the morning. +Half-asleep she staggered, blinking, to the after deck, and then leaned +over to wash the last of the sleep out of her eyes. There followed a +sudden, sharp splash, and a moment later the blonde head of Tommy +Thompson appeared from out of the lake. Tommy had fallen in again. This +time she did not scream. She climbed aboard the boat, grumbling to +herself, and proceeded to dress without further delay. + +"For goodness' sake, Tommy, what is the matter?" demanded Harriet, +sitting up in bed, rubbing her blinking eyes. "Did you fall into the +lake again?" + +"I gueth I had a bath thith morning," answered Tommy. + +"An impromptu plunge, I should call it," answered Harriet smiling. Then +she glanced sharply out through the rear door of the cabin. Her eyes +narrowed as she gazed. She rose from her cot and walked to the door, +looking over the water towards the opposite shore, her forehead +wrinkling into a perplexed frown. "Girls! Get up! Come out and view the +scenery. I promise you it is well worth seeing this morning. Oh, Miss +Elting, do you know where you are?" + +"Why--why, what does it mean?" gasped the girls who had hurriedly +tumbled out following Harriet's summons. + +The guardian could scarcely believe her eyes. They were not in the cove +where the boat had been anchored the day before. The scenery on the +shore near them was strange and new. + +"What does it mean, Harriet?" demanded the guardian. + +"I think a fairy must have touched the world with her wand and changed +it into something else during the night," replied Harriet. "But don't +you know where you are, Miss Elting?" + +"I do not. Do you?" + +"I think I do." + +"I know," piped Tommy. "We are on the water. I wath in it earlier thith +morning." + +No one gave any heed to Tommy's pleasantry. They were too amazed and +perplexed to give thought to anything but the strangeness of their +surroundings. + +"Then I will tell you," said Harriet, "We are on the other side of the +lake. Do you see that white house on the bluff across the lake? Well, +that is the farmhouse where we got our milk yesterday." + +"But--but----" gasped Miss Elting. + +"We are now where we wanted to be, across the lake near the beautiful +islands and the pretty wooded shores." + +"But how did we get here?" finished Miss Elting. + +"I don't know. I know only that we're here. Somehow we must have made a +mysterious journey across the lake during the night, or else the fairy +that I spoke of has turned the lake around in the night and left us +standing exactly as we were. But I can't think on an empty stomach. +Let's dress and get breakfast; then we will consider what has happened +to us. We are anchored all right, so there is no occasion for worry. The +weather is fine too. Our unknown enemy did us a good turn, this time, if +he only knew it. Come along, girls." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE ISLAND OF DELIGHT + + +"It is the most mysterious thing I ever encountered," declared Miss +Elting at breakfast, after she had stepped to the window again to gaze +off over the lake to the cove--in the distance--where the "Red Rover" +had lain when they retired the night before. + +None of the girls except Harriet and Jane had much appetite for +breakfast. They were too excited over the mysterious changing of their +position. + +"What I cannot understand," continued the guardian, "is how we, who +pride ourselves on being woodsmen, trailers and scouts and all the other +things, could possibly be carried across a lake, dragged over several +miles of water and not know anything about it. Can you explain why we +didn't wake up, Harriet Burrell?" + +Harriet shook her head. + +"And we are anchored just the same as we were last night," remarked +Jane. "It's spirits, girls. No mistake about that." + +"Now, Jane," laughed Harriet. "You know very well that the mere fact +that our anchor was pulled up before we left the other side of the lake, +then let down on this side, makes your spirit theory impossible." + +"It _wath_ thpookth," declared Tommy. "I thaw one thtanding on the +handle of the mop pail latht night after I went to bed. I heard the +water thplathh when he jumped in the pail." + +"What a marvelous imagination you have," jeered Jane. + +"All this talk doesn't help us to solve the mystery," averred Hazel. +"How did we get here?" + +"We do not know, but we are going to find out," replied Harriet. + +"How?" + +"I can't tell you. Something will turn up to give us a clue to this and +the other mysteries. I have my suspicions of the Tramp Club in this +matter. I am very glad that the rope was not cut, this time, or thrown +overboard after being removed from the boat. If the boys are responsible +for this, rest assured they'll be the first to tell us. You know the +island that we admired so much from a distance, Miss Elting? + +"We are within a mile of it now. After breakfast, with your permission +I'll row over," continued Harriet. "I want to see that island at close +range. Jane, will you come with me?" Jane was prompt to accept Harriet's +invitation. Miss Elting also was invited, but concluded to remain with +the other girls on the houseboat. + +Harriet and her companion rowed rapidly to the island shortly after +breakfast. It was a good sized island, as they discovered by rowing down +one side of it, the side nearest to the shore of the mainland near which +the houseboat was anchored. The girls rowed in so close that they were +able to reach up and touch the foliage overhead and in places it trailed +in the water. The island was rocky, still it was heavily wooded. One +side of it was popular with picnic parties, but on the side where the +girls were few boats ever landed. As they were rowing slowly along the +edge, Harriet's eyes were constantly searching the shore. + +"This is about what I thought we should find, Jane." + +"What are you looking for, dear?" + +"I am trying to find a place where we can run the 'Red Rover' in under +the trees, and where the boat cannot be seen from the lake on either +side of the island." + +"You will have to change its color then. Why, in the sunlight you could +see that tub fifty miles away." + +Harriet did not answer. She had rested on the oars, and was peering over +her right shoulder towards the thicket at the shore of the island. + +"No, my dear, not where I am going to put the boat provided there is +room for it. Do you see that current swirling right into the island +there? I saw that from the deck of the 'Red Rover,' this morning, when +looking through the glasses. At least I thought it was a current. The +water everywhere else was very still, but a slight discoloration there, +as you see it, led me to believe there was a creek running into the +island." + +"You have sharp eyes, Harriet. But where's your creek? I don't see it," +laughed Jane. + +"Neither do I. There may be no creek there, but if there is, it's going +to be a splendid place to hide." + +"Hide?" wondered Jane. + +"Yes." + +"But why should we hide, darlin'?" + +"In that way we may be able to get some clue to our unknown enemy," +nodded Harriet. "If the boys did tow us over here, of course they'll +wonder what became of us." + +"Do you think our enemy will try to find us?" asked Jane. + +"Yes." + +"I don't. We'll be wasting our time. The boys won't look for us, here, +either." + +"Well, here is the creek, at any rate," exclaimed Harriet, swinging the +bow of the boat in as she spoke. "And oh, Jane! Look!" + +A smooth sheet of dark water was revealed to the eyes of the girls. It +was shimmering in the deep shadow of the foliage under which it flowed +until it became lost in the shadows of foliage and rocks. Harriet drove +her boat in without the least hesitancy. She saw by glancing above her +head that there were no heavy limbs of trees hanging over the little +waterway. A sounding with the oar developed the fact that there was only +about three feet of water in the stream. + +"Do you know where you are going, Harriet?" questioned Jane anxiously. + +"No. But I don't care. Do you?" + +"Not I. I can go where you go. Oh, look at that hole. It's a cave, +Harriet, and the stream goes right into it." + +"I think you are mistaken, Jane. That looks to me more as if the water +had worn an opening in the rocks. The water must have been very high to +make such a large opening. Yes. See! The water swirls in at one side of +the opening and comes out on the other side, making a sort of horseshoe +shape of the cut-out place. Isn't this a place in which to hide, Jane +McCarthy?" cried Harriet triumphantly. + +"Hurrah! The greatest hiding place in the world." + +"And won't the Tramp Club be amazed when they find we are missing? +They'll think their chance of winning the camera is doubtful." + +"Perhaps they'll think we're drowned," answered Jane, her eyes sparkling +mischievously. + +"A little scare will do them good," returned Harriet, the mischievous +sparkle appearing in the depths of her brown eyes. "What do you think of +it, dear?" + +"Fine! It's glorious. We'll have a picnic here. What fun, what fun! And +it's such a beautiful place too. What shall we call it?" + +"I think we might call it the Island of Delight," answered Harriet, +after brief reflection. + +"That's the name! Now, let's explore the place." + +"Oh, no, not now, Jane. We must go and lay our plan before Miss Elting +first. I do not think she will object, but we must ask her, of course, +before we make any further arrangements." + +"When do you plan to move in here?" + +"Just as soon as we are able to get the 'Red Rover' in here. I am in a +hurry. The boys are likely to be sailing over here almost any time now. +We must get out of sight before they come near here." + +"Hurrah!" shouted Crazy Jane. + +"Save your breath. You will need it before we have gotten our big boat +in. It is going to be a hard pull to get it through all this foliage and +then it is going to be another difficult job to get it out again. When +we get those boys on the Island of Delight we are going to give them +something to think about," chuckled Harriet. "This time, the +Meadow-Brook Girls will score." + +"I should like to know how you are going to get them here?" wondered +Jane. + +"Oh, that is easy. One doesn't even need to think to know how to do +that," laughed Harriet Burrell. + +Jane regarded her admiringly. + +"You sure are a wonderful girl. My daddy says he'd give a million if you +were his daughter." + +"I'm worth much less than that," smiled Harriet. "Now let's go back. We +haven't any time to spare. When we get out into the lake both of us will +row, but let's be certain that there is no one in sight. We don't want +to be seen coming from this place or our plans will be spoiled before we +have had a chance to carry them out." + +They shoved the rowboat back through the foliage by placing the oars on +the bottom and pushing. They made better progress this way than they +could have made by rowing, for the low hanging branches of the trees +fouled the oars, making rowing a difficult method of travel, as they had +learned when they entered the narrow little waterway. + +No person was in sight when they emerged. The two girls bent to their +oars with a will and made rapid progress on their way back toward the +"Red Rover." + +Those on the houseboat saw the girls coming. + +"Harriet ith in a hurry about thomething," observed Tommy, wrinkling her +forehead into sharp little ridges of perplexity. She did not understand +how any one could be in a hurry on such a hot day as this. + +The rowers reached the "Red Rover," and jumping aboard, their faces +flushed and eyes sparkling, proceeded to tell their companions of their +great find. + +"And what is your plan?" asked the guardian, smiling good-naturedly. + +Harriet told her, whispering part of what she had to say, in the ear of +Miss Elting. + +"That will be fine," glowed the guardian, instantly entering into the +spirit of the plan. "We shall at least have a good time there." + +"And we'll be hidden from the world so no one will know we are on this +island at all," interjected Jane. + +"I am with you, girls. But we must not let people get the idea that +anything has happened to us. That would not be right, you know." + +"No one about here knows, or at least cares, what happens to us, unless +it is the Tramp Club," replied Harriet, "Besides, I shall find a way to +let them know we are above water, rather than underneath it." + +"All right. I suppose you wish to move into this retreat to-day, Captain +Harriet?" + +"Yes. At once." + +"Then get under way, Captain, as soon as you wish. Able seaman Tommy +Thompson will heave the anchor for you," averred the guardian merrily. + +"Able theaman Tommy will do nothing of the thort," retorted Tommy. "Able +theaman Tommy will heave herthelf overboard if thhe trieth to do any +heaving at all." + +"Miss Elting, I think you can steer the boat. I am needed in the rowboat +with Jane," interrupted Harriet. + +"Girls, I am afraid it is going to be a pretty hard pull in this heat. +Hadn't we better wait until the evening?" suggested the guardian. + +Harriet and Jane protested that they didn't mind the heat at all, and +that they could pull the big boat over to the island without the least +difficulty. Miss Elting offered no further objections. The "Red Rover" +was a scene of activity from that moment on. All hands except Tommy +assisted in getting the anchor aboard. Harriet and Jane, without loss of +time, jumped into the rowboat and began pulling away. It was hard work +to get the houseboat started, but once under way it followed along +fairly well. + +Miss Elting handled the tiller, while Hazel, Margery and Tommy acted as +lookouts to inform the rowers if any motor boats were sighted. The +lookouts watched the lake through their glasses. The sun glaring down on +the red sides of the "Red Rover" made the boat visible as far as eyes +could reach. It was even discovered by one of the Tramp Club boys, but +so slowly did it move that he was not aware that it was moving at all. +From the other side of the lake the houseboat appeared to be standing +still, until finally it disappeared altogether. He wondered a little +over this at the time, then forgot all about the circumstance until +later. + +[Illustration: Miss Elting Handled the Tiller.] + +In the meantime Harriet and Crazy Jane were heading toward the Island of +Delight, pulling at the oars with backs bent to their task. They were +destined to have a most delightful time on this their Island of Delight +and to experience some thrills as well, and Harriet's plans were to work +out better than she knew. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +THE TRAMP CLUB IS ALARMED + + +Now that they were masked by the island, the girls also were shut off +from a view of the lake, save for the narrow ribbon of water that lay +between them and the nearby shore, so they rowed faster than before. + +"Can you steer into this opening?" called Harriet. + +"I am afraid I can't," answered Miss Elting. "You will have to put me +aboard, Jane, I'll have Hazel help you pull in; then we shall have to +push the rest of the way." + +Harriet Burrell sprang on board a few minutes later. She set Miss Elting +and Margery at work with poles at the stern of the boat pushing, as soon +as they entered the shallow water. Tommy had been posted on the upper +deck, from which the awning posts had been removed. Tommy's business was +to hold her arms out at right angles to her body and by moving them as +directed indicate to Harriet which way to steer. It will be remembered +that Harriet was unable to see over the deckhouse from where she stood +when guiding the craft. She could see only by leaning out on either +side. + +They entered the narrow channel very slowly. But no sooner had they +gotten well in than a cry from Tommy Thompson told them that the little +lisping girl was in trouble. + +Tommy had been swept from her feet by the foliage. Not only that, but in +floundering about she had rolled over the side of the boat. A mighty +splash and a second cry gave additional evidence that Tommy was in +further difficulties. + +"Help me! I'm in the water!" she screamed, coming up sputtering and +coughing. + +"Stay there and push," answered Harriet, laughing so that she bumped the +nose of the houseboat into the bank on the right side of the creek. "You +can't get any wetter. The water is shallow. Come. Don't hold up the +ship." + +Tommy had no intention of pushing. Her sole ambition at this moment was +to get aboard. + +"You may do your own piloting after thith," she declared, sitting down +on the stern of the boat with a suggestion of a sob in her voice. + +"There, there, Tommy. You must learn to take the bitter with the sweet. +We must do that all through life," comforted Harriet wisely. "You aren't +hurt." + +"No, but I'm wet. My feelingth are hurt, too." + +"Don't think about it any more," advised Harriet. "Go into the cabin and +change your wet clothes. Then you'll feel better." + +"Will you steer, Miss Elting?" Harriet asked the guardian. "We are +slowing down too much. If we stop it will be difficult to get another +start." + +The boat moved faster when Harriet took hold of the pushing pole. Jane +had ceased rowing because she was at the end of her tow line and had +proceeded as far into the cave-like opening in the rocks as she could +go. She pulled the rowboat to one side and called to the helmswoman of +the "Red Rover" not to run her down. + +"Snub her nose against the side. We don't want to bump into the rocks," +ordered Captain Harriet. + +"Thnub whothe nothe?" questioned Tommy apprehensively. + +"The boat's, of course, you goose," answered Harriet laughingly. "That's +it. Will it go in clear, Jane?" + +"Yes, all right." + +"Good. I was certain it would." + +"How are we going to keep the boat in here? It will drift out with the +current, will it not?" asked the guardian. + +"We will put out the anchor at the other end, giving it a short rope. +That will hold us. The current is not swift." + +While she was holding the "Red Rover" in place, Jane and Miss Elting +dragged the anchor to the inner end of the opening, put it over and made +it fast with a shortened rope. + +"There. Now let's sit down and rest our backs," exclaimed Harriet. Her +face was red and perspiring. "I'm tired." + +"Harriet, you must be tired. You have wonderful endurance," said the +guardian. + +"Tho am I tired. I'm worn out," declared Tommy. + +"Tired? Why, you haven't done a thing, you dear little goose," chuckled +Crazy Jane. + +"I know that. It maketh me tired to watch you folkth work. Now, what +crathy thing are we going to do?" + +"After we have rested we are going to explore our Island of Delight. +Won't that be splendid?" questioned Harriet, with glowing eyes. "Just +imagine that we are on an unknown, mysterious island. Perhaps there are +savages, wild beasts and----" + +"And thingth," finished Tommy. + +"Yes, and things," agreed Harriet. + +"Perhaps there is another phase of this game of hide and seek that you +have not thought of, Harriet," pondered Miss Elting. "How are we to get +fresh supplies?" + +"There are several farmhouses within half an hour's row of us. By going +to them early in the evening we shall not be discovered." + +Miss Elting nodded. Margery wanted to know how long they were going to +stay in that hole in the ground. + +"Until you girls get tired of it," answered Harriet good-naturedly. "As +I understand our arrangement, we have the privilege of expressing our +choice in all matters that come up, Miss Elting's decision being final. +What a glorious place this is!" + +"Aren't we going to explore our Island of Delight now?" demanded Jane. + +"It is your discovery--yours and Harriet's," was Miss Elting's smiling +reply. "Suit yourselves as to exploring it." + +"We have time to look about a little before night," answered Harriet. +"It won't be dark for a little while yet." + +They were about to start out when the distant chug of a motor boat was +heard. "I guess we will not go just yet," she added. "Wait. I'll row +down to the mouth and see if it is the Tramp Club's boat." + +Harriet paddled part way to the lake edge, then finding the bank +accessible, sprang out and crept the rest of the way on shore. She was +in time to see a power boat moving slowly past. It was close to the +shore of the island. Several young men were aboard. One was standing up, +gazing toward the island, one hand shading his eyes. Harriet chuckled +when she recognized the standing boy as George Baker. There could be no +doubt that the boys were looking for the Meadow-Brook Girls. The +watching girl chuckled with delight. Then the thought occurred to her +that some way must be found to communicate with the boys soon, so that +the latter might know they were safe. Just how that was to be +accomplished Harriet did not know. The launch soon passed on out of +sight. + +As a matter of fact, Captain George Baker and his companions were a +little disturbed over not finding the "Red Rover." Sam said he had seen +the boat that afternoon, and unless it had picked up a tow the houseboat +could not be far away. They moved along the shore, peering into each +cove on that side of the lake until twilight fell and it was no longer +light enough to see into the shadows. + +"It's my opinion that those girls will win the wager unless we do some +hustling," declared Larry Goheen, when they had once more returned to +their camp on the other side of the lake. + +"Harriet Burrell is very clever," answered George. "I wish we had gone +ashore over there near where we last saw the 'Red Rover.' I'll tell you +what we'll do. We'll run over there to-morrow and make inquiries of the +farmers nearby. We ought at least to get some trace of them." + +The boat turned homeward after having encircled the island. Harriet, as +soon as the motor boat had passed on out of sight, hurried back to her +companions. + +"Girls! It's the boys," she cried. "They are looking for us. I could see +that. They were so close to the island that I could almost have hit them +with a stone." + +"Provided you could throw straight," interjected Miss Elting. + +"Yes. I wouldn't have to be a very good thrower to reach a boat so close +as that one was." + +"Shall we go exploring now?" asked Margery. + +"I don't believe it would be prudent. Those boys are sharp. They may be +on the island at this very moment. I don't hear their boat any more," +replied Harriet. + +"We will postpone exploring until to-morrow," announced Miss Elting. +"And now, suppose we get supper? This is a cosy place. I never saw a +more delightful nook. To-morrow morning, if the coast be clear, we will +look about us. How about the farmhouse?" + +"I am going over there as soon as it gets a little darker." + +Harriet did not go until after supper, which proved to be one of the +most enjoyable meals to which the girls had ever sat down. Their +surroundings were so romantic that the situation appealed strongly to +each of them. The Meadow-Brook Girls were in high good humor. Later in +the evening, Harriet, accompanied by Jane and Hazel, paddled the rowboat +out from the island and rowed almost straight across to the shore of the +mainland. Hiding their boat in some bushes they made their way to a +farmhouse, and there arranged for milk. Harriet had a confidential chat +with the woman of the house, who readily agreed to the girl's +proposition to assist in fooling the boys. The woman further agreed to +provide them with such supplies as they needed. For such as they took +with them the girls paid then and there. Harriet chuckled all the way +back to the island. She believed that she had planned in such a way as +thoroughly to mystify George Baker and his friends, and at the same time +convince the latter that the Meadow-Brook Girls were not in trouble. + +Reaching the island they found their companions eagerly awaiting them. +To Miss Elting, Harriet confided her plan. Then, after a happy evening, +the houseboat party went to bed, looking forward with keen expectation +to what awaited them on the morrow, when Harriet's new plan was to be +tried. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +THEIR SUSPICIONS AROUSED + + +That night there was a shower. The rain, beating down on the foliage and +the end of the houseboat that protruded from the cave, served to freshen +the air and brought out the fragrance of green leaves and flowers. When +the sun came out next morning every leaf and petal was glistening, birds +were singing overhead and the girls uttered exclamations of delight as +they ran out in their bathing suits and jumped into the water for their +morning baths. + +For several moments they splashed about in the shallow water, then, +scrambling aboard their houseboat, enjoyed brisk rub downs, after which +their appetites were sufficiently sharpened to cause them to hurry the +breakfast with all possible speed. They ate under the light of the lamp +that hung from the cabin ceiling. Had the foliage not been so wet they +would have permitted the "Red Rover" to drift out from under the rocks, +but it was decided that the trees were too wet for this, so they ate in +the darkened cave. + +Immediately after breakfast they put on their old khaki skirts, that +they had worn part of the time on their long tramp across country the +previous season, and started out on their deferred exploring trip about +the island. Exclamations of delight were frequent. The island was full +of rocky nooks and dells; there were numerous wild flowers, while in the +great trees that overhung the shore of the island an occasional squirrel +whisked back and forth. + +"It really is the Island of Delight!" cried Crazy Jane. "How I wish my +dear old dad were here! Wouldn't he want to buy this island? I'm going +to ask him to come here some day, but I'm afraid he'll say he hasn't the +time." + +"This island is too large to explore this morning," declared Miss +Elting. + +"It may take some days," Harriet nodded, as they strolled about, "but it +will be delightful work." + +On the outer side they discovered evidences that picnic parties had been +there. And then they came upon the remains of a campfire, but it was a +small one, as though there had been but a solitary camper, and that some +time back. + +"I hope no one comes while we're here," murmured Margery. + +"How selfish!" laughed Hazel. + +By seven o'clock the delighted girls began to retrace their steps toward +the houseboat. + +"Now, let's go down to the shore and take a look out over the lake," +proposed Harriet, and this was done. + +There were several boats in sight, but at the distance these looked like +mere specks. A large excursion steamer was passing in the middle of the +lake. Feeling quite certain that they were in no danger of being +discovered the girls found a place in the sunlight and there sat down to +bask in the pleasant warmth of the sun. + +"Get back, at once!" cried Harriet, suddenly springing to her feet, then +crouching. "We don't want to be seen." + +The girls retreated up the shore in some confusion, not stopping to ask +questions until they were concealed. + +"Oh, now I hear it," cried Hazel. "A motor boat coming! Do you think +it's the one the boys are using?" + +"I don't know," Harriet replied, "but it's heading straight for the +island, and we must be ready to seek hiding on the 'Red Rover.'" + +Anxious eyes peered through the bushes, watching the approaching boat +for some time. + +"It _is_ the boys!" announced Miss Elting finally. + +Tommy leaped up, and started to run. + +"Wait!" commanded Harriet. "Let's make sure what they are going to do +before we run away. We may have to creep across that open space there. I +think they can see it from the lake. If they are coming to land on the +island they will have to go farther to the right. That will be our time +to get back." + +But the Tramp Club had no intention of landing at that moment. They were +nearing the island for the purpose of looking it over. When they had +come as close as they cared to run they turned the boat sharply and +moved along at a slower rate of speed. They were out of sight of the +girls a few moments after that. + +"Now for the boat. They are going around to the other side of the +island," declared Harriet. "I think our plan is going to work." + + * * * * * + +For some reason George Baker was considerably interested in that island. +There were many other islands in the lake, but this one had come to hold +a sort of fascination for him. + +"I don't believe they are over there," reflected George. + +"We should have seen them yesterday if they had been," answered Billy +Gordon. "It's a jolly place, though. We'll come over here and camp when +we get ready. It is seldom that any one goes there." + +"Where's that farmhouse we saw yesterday?" questioned Sam. + +"On the other side of the lake, about half way down," answered Gordon. +"There is a pier there so we can land." + +Of course all of this the Meadow-Brook Girls did not hear. But, having +reached the houseboat, they made their way down the inlet, and were near +the mouth of it when they sighted the motor boat on that side of the +island. The girls saw it head straight for the pier where Harriet had +landed the previous evening on her way to the farmhouse for supplies. +The boys tied up the boat and two of them got out and went up the slope +toward the farmhouse. + +The two boys, George and Billy, returned to the motor boat walking +rapidly. + +"Did you find out anything?" called Sam. + +"Yes." + +"Anything wrong?" asked Larry. + +"I don't know. It's a puzzle," replied Captain Baker. "Two of them were +up at that farmhouse last night. The queer thing about it is that the +woman up there saw the 'Red Rover' lying down here yesterday. Then the +boat was gone when she looked again. I don't understand it." + +"Some one gave them a tow. Don't you tumble to that?" asked Sam. + +"Where to?" + +"I give it up. I don't know." + +"If nothing has happened them they can't be far away, or the girls +wouldn't have gone up there last night." + +"What time were they there, George?" + +"Some time after dark. I didn't ask the time. I asked the woman if they +were coming again. She said she didn't know. I told her we would come +back later in the day, and, if she saw either of the girls in the +meantime, to tell them that we wished to know where they are, as we had +something to tell them. It was after dark when they were there. I don't +know what to make of it." + +"Well, they are all right, so what's the use in worrying?" asked Larry. + +"Yes, they aren't drowned. I haven't any too much confidence in that old +scow. It is likely to spring a leak and go down any old time," declared +Billy Gordon. "I wouldn't trust myself in it over night." + +"You are not likely to get the chance," jeered Sam. "What are we going +to do now?" + +"Go on to Wantagh, then to camp. We will come back before supper. While +we are out we'll make inquiries. Some one may have seen the boat. It +probably is laid up in a cove somewhere along this shore," decided +George. + +"We should have seen it if it had been," replied Billy. + +"How about that island? Is there any place along the shore where they +could hide the boat?" questioned Baker. + +Billy shook his head. + +"You have seen the whole island. We went all the way around it +yesterday. It is my opinion that they are going to tie the score." + +"I am beginning to think so myself. But we'll beat them yet," chuckled +Larry Goheen. + +"We will have to wake up in the morning earlier than we usually do," +returned George. "You ought to have seen the way they won that walking +match. Outwit the Meadow-Brook Girls three times in succession. Well, +try it!" + +"If they are so smart, what's the use in bothering about them?" answered +Larry. + +"Because I don't propose to have them get the best of us every time," +returned George. "That's why I made this wager." + +"They didn't get the best of us the other night, did they?" grinned +Billy. "We're one trick ahead." All the boys except George laughed +heartily over some little joke of their own. + +"Look here, fellows," said Baker. "We think we are mighty smart, but I'm +telling you that we may not be as smart as we believe. They may be +laughing at us all the time." + +The two boys got into the launch and Billy started the motor. The launch +backed away, turned slowly about, then followed nearly the same course +that it had on the previous day. This time it crept along still closer +to the Island of Delight. The girls, who were watching it, crouched low, +almost flattening themselves on the ground in their efforts to avoid +discovery. The boys, at one time, seemed to be gazing right at them. + +Yet even with this keen study of the shores of the island the Tramp Club +boys passed by the entrance to the anchorage of the "Red Rover" without +having discovered the little inlet. + +"I'm going over there to find out what they found out," cried Harriet. +"Who is going along? Tommy, I'll take you, Hazel and Margery this time +if you wish to go. You haven't been out with me at all." + +The four got into the small boat and rowed across the water to the same +landing where less than half an hour before the boys' boat had been tied +up. What Harriet learned at the farmhouse, filled her with delight. + +"The boys know we are all right now. They are coming back again this +afternoon. They are going to get another surprise, girls. Oh, we'll win +that camera, won't we? Won't Miss Elting be amused when she hears what +we have to tell her?" said Harriet. + +"I gueth they won't want to thee uth again," suggested Tommy. + +"Yes, they will. They have something to tell us," returned Harriet +mysteriously. + +"What is it?" asked Margery. + +"I am not going to say. At least, not until I am sure it is so. I wonder +if they will get suspicious of the island and search it for us?" + +The Meadow-Brook Girls were on the alert all the rest of the day. They +posted a lookout for the boys, in the person of Hazel Holland, who was +to be depended upon. They drew the "Red Rover" into the cave as far as +it would go, only the tip of the after deck protruding from the mouth of +the cave. There was no more exploring that day. They did not dare get +too far away from their hidden home, fearing lest the boys might come +upon them unawares. Every boat on the lake in the vicinity was regarded +with suspicion. But it was not until nearly five o'clock that Hazel came +in with the report that the launch was heading across the upper end of +the island, evidently making for the dock visited by it earlier in the +day. + +After reaching the landing, Captain Baker went up to the farmhouse +alone. With his companions he had been searching along the lake the +greater part of the afternoon for information about the "Red Rover," but +without result. It was therefore with some misgivings that he once more +knocked at the door of the farmhouse. + +"Have you seen anything of the young ladies?" he asked the instant the +door was opened in response to his knock. + +"Oh! You are the young man who was here this morning? Yes, I've heard +from them," replied the woman, with a twinkle in her eyes that Captain +Baker failed to observe. + +"You have? What have you heard?" + +"The young women were here very shortly after you left this morning." + +"You don't say so? Thank you ever so much. Did they say where they were +stopping?" he questioned eagerly. + +The woman shook her head. + +"But they must be near here?" + +"Maybe they are and maybe they ain't." The farmer's wife did not know +exactly where the girls were, so she had told him no untruth. + +"Haven't you seen their boat?" + +"Not since the other day." + +"That is queer. I don't understand it," pondered George. "Did they leave +any message for us?" + +"Yes," laughed the farmer's wife, keenly enjoying the puzzled look on +Baker's face. "The young lady left word that if you wanted to see them +you'd have to find them." + +"That's the word, is it?" demanded George grimly, pulling his hat down +over his eyes. "The challenge is accepted, and we'll find them!" + +"Not!" added Larry Goheen skeptically, when he heard of George's +confident answer. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +MARGERY MAKES A CUSTARD + + +"Oh, dear, but I jutht _do_ wonder what the boyth are going to do!" +lisped Tommy, as the motor boat started once more on its travels. + +"There's nothing very uncertain, in their own minds," laughed Harriet. +"Just see how fast they're going. They've decided upon something." + +"They're going back to their camp, but I've an idea they're going to +come over soon," guessed Hazel, "and make a regular search for us." + +"Something of that sort," agreed Miss Elting. + +"Well," said Jane sagely, "from their speed and the comfortable way +they're all sitting, I'm sure the boys are not doing any guessing about +their plans." + +"No. They've pathed the guething over to uth," lisped Tommy sagely. + +"Anyway," said Jane McCarthy, "if our friends can't find us, then our +enemies can't, either." + +"I hadn't thought of that," Harriet nodded. + +"I wish I knew what the boys' plan is. At any rate we must begin to +think of outwitting them a second time." + +"How?" asked Hazel eagerly. + +"Oh, I have the greatest scheme! That is, if they come back again," +added Harriet. "We will just have those boys so mystified that they +won't know what they are doing." + +"What do you propose to do?" asked Hazel. + +"That is a dark secret. We won't even whisper it to the little birds +yet, lest they carry it to our friends the tramps. I have an idea that +our friends will be back here to-night. Just what they are going to do I +don't know, but I think they are going to spy on the farmhouse. I wish +they would come over to our Island of Delight. There are a number of +things we could do to puzzle them. And then--" + +"And then the wise housekeeper forgot all about her supper," interrupted +Miss Elting, amid a chorus of laughter and many blushes from Harriet, +who, in the excitement of planning to get the better of George Baker and +his friends, had forgotten her household duties. + +"Very good. I will confess that I have been dilatory. What do you girls +wish for supper?" + +"The same old thing--the old stand-by, bacon and eggs and coffee, +and--" + +"I know what I am going to have," interrupted Margery. "I'm going to +have some custard. I haven't had any custard since I left home." + +"Can you make it?" asked the guardian. + +"Of course I can." + +"You are quite sure of that?" teased Harriet. + +"I guess I know. I've made it ever so many times. You will like it, if +you get a chance to eat any of it. I am making this for myself." + +"Thelfithh," jeered Tommy. "Make me thome plum pudding and thome angel +food while you are about it. I jutht love angel food and plum duff, ath +my father callth it." + +"Custard is good enough for you, Tommy Thompson," laughed Margery. "May +I make the custard, Miss Elting?" + +The guardian nodded smilingly. + +"If you think you can." + +"I'll show you. Where are the milk and the eggs and the other things?" + +"The milk is in that pail that hangs over the side at the other end of +the boat. The eggs are in the paper box behind the stove. The rest of +your materials are in the supply box. As for water, there is a lake full +of it, enough to make custard for the whole world," remarked Miss +Elting. + +"Now you are teasing me--and you, too, Harriet. You will be glad I +thought of it, however, after you have tasted the custard." + +"After I have tasted it, yes," returned Harriet significantly. + +That there was some hidden meaning in Harriet's remark, Margery well +knew. That was as near as she got to understanding just then. Later on +she understood more fully. + +"I am afraid you haven't time to make the custard for supper," added +Harriet. + +"It will do for dessert later in the evening. We don't have to eat +everything all at once, you know." Margery was in a flurry of +importance, over the idea of making the custard. Tommy, despite her +apparent indifference, was eagerly waiting for the custard. It was one +of her favorite dishes. + +Buster broke the eggs in an agate dish, then added the milk, a cupful +for each person. The eggs, of course, had first been beaten up and the +sugar added. Harriet, with her skirt pinned up, was frying bacon and +potatoes until the smoke in the cabin was so thick as to drive out those +who were not actively engaged in getting the supper. Harriet and Margery +stuck to their posts, Tommy Thompson watched the operations from the +deck, now and then coughing to remind them that she was there. + +"There, I think everything is ready," announced Buster. "How soon are +you going to finish with the oil stove?" + +"Please do not wait for me. I shall not be done here for some little +time. The coffee isn't ground yet. What part of the stove do you require +for your custard?" + +"The oven, of course. Don't you know how to make custard?" + +"Oh, yes." Harriet turned her face from her companion, apparently to +avoid the smoke, but in reality that Margery might not observe her +laughter. "Help yourself to the oven." + +Margery groped about underneath the oil stove, burned her fingers and +bumped her forehead against the edge of the stove. + +"If you please, don't knock the top of the stove off. We are some +distance from another stove," reminded Harriet. + +"I--I can't find the oven," wailed Margery. + +"Don't you know why?" + +"No-o." + +"That is strange." + +"Where is the oven?" + +"There isn't any on this stove. Hadn't you discovered that yet, you +silly?" + +"No--oven?" repeated Buster. + +"No. No oven." + +"Then I've mixed my custard for nothing?" + +"I am afraid you have unless you can turn the mixture to some other +purpose." + +Margery stared at Harriet in silence, then carefully setting the dish on +the little shelf above the stove she sat down on the floor and burst +into tears. + +Harriet left her frying pan, and, taking Buster firmly by an arm, lifted +the girl to her feet and led her out to the after deck. + +"Wha--at are you go--oing to do?" + +"Bathe your face for you and set you down on the deck to cool off," +replied Harriet. + +"You knew all the time that there wasn't any oven," sobbed Buster. + +"Yes, of course I did. So should you have known. I let you go on--" + +"Because you are mean," interjected the unhappy Margery. + +"No. To teach you to use your eyes. You should learn to be observing. +Didn't you hear us talking about that oven when Jane brought home the +stove?" + +"Ye--es. I had forgotten." + +"Of course you had. Now get ready for supper. To-morrow I will make an +oven of stones on the shore and you shall make your custard and you +shall have it all to yourself, if you wish, just to punish us for being +so mean to you. Will that satisfy you, Buster?" + +"Ye--ye--yes," answered Buster, with three distinct catches in her +voice. + +"Come, now, dry your eyes, that's a dear," urged Harriet. "Tommy!" + +"Yeth?" + +"Will you kindly place the chairs. Supper will be served in the cabin as +soon as the coffee is ready." + +Tommy proceeded noisily about her task of putting the chairs in place at +the table. Soon after that Harriet with a dish towel whipped the smoke +out of the cabin and then announced that supper was ready. Margery's +eyes were red and she had little to say, but her appetite was unaffected +by her late bitter disappointment. + +"Now tell us of your latest scheme, Harriet," urged the guardian after +they had settled down to their supper. + +"My scheme? Which scheme?" + +There was a laugh at Harriet's expense. + +"There, girls! You see. Harriet has so many schemes and plans in her +head that she doesn't know which is which. I mean your second scheme for +fooling the Tramp Club, Harriet." + +"Oh, yes. I know. I am not going to put it into operation until +to-morrow. You may not approve of it, but I hope you will." + +"I don't think you have reason to complain of my opposing your plans, +Harriet. To tell the truth, I enjoy them as much as you. But before we +go any further with our discussion, do you not think it would be an +excellent idea to hang a blanket over that rear door. The light might +attract attention from the lake and bring undesirable persons here." + +"Thank you. I never thought of it." Harriet rose at once. Selecting a +long blanket, she fastened it over the doorway, after which she drew +down the shades. The door at the other end of the boat opened on to a +solid wall of rock, so that no light could escape from that end. Harriet +was about to resume her seat at the table, when she paused sharply, +raising her hand as a signal for silence. + +"What is it, dear?" asked Miss Elting in a low voice. + +"I heard a shout. There is it again. Did you hear?" + +The guardian and the other girls nodded. + +"It isn't far from here. May I go down to the end of the creek and find +out what it means?" + +"Wait a moment." The guardian turned down the light, then stepped out to +the after deck, followed by the girls. From the deck they could hear the +shouts much more plainly, but the shouters were too far away to make it +possible to distinguish what they were saying. + +"Yes, you may go, but do nothing imprudent," added Miss Elting. + +"I will try not to do so." + +"May I go with you, Harriet?" asked Jane. + +"Perhaps it would be better for me to go alone." Miss Elting agreed with +this, fearing that the girls might begin to laugh or talk and thus +attract attention to themselves. Harriet quickly got the rowboat and +began pushing her way down through the overhanging foliage that smote +her in the face with every move of the oar. + +The night was very dark. She had to feel her way along, but even at that +the boat frequently bumped into the bank. Reaching the lake, she paused +to look and listen. Not more than ten rods above she saw lights on the +shore of the island and a light on the water. A motor boat chugged a few +times, the plash of an oar followed, then more shouts. + +"I simply must find out what is going on there," muttered Harriet. "I +wonder if it can be--Yes, I'll row a little further along. No one will +see me unless I get within range of the lanterns there." + +Taking careful note of the entrance to their secret creek that she might +recognize the spot when she returned, Harriet crept to the stern of the +rowboat and using one oar as a paddle propelled the boat through the +water as quietly as possible. + +As she neared the scene of activity the voices of the newcomers grew +louder. Harriet finally ceased paddling and permitted her boat to drift, +steering well into the shadows, hugging the shore of the island until +she could touch it with an oar. Unless she splashed with the oar, she +was reasonably certain of being able to avoid discovery. The +Meadow-Brook girl was now within a few yards of where the operations +were going on. Her eyes were fixed on the outlines of a launch in which +two persons appeared to be working, when all at once and with a +suddenness that nearly brought a cry to her lips, a canoe shot out of +the shadows directly ahead of her and sped noiselessly out into the +lake. The girl did not even remember to have seen any one in the canoe +so quickly had it appeared and disappeared. She wondered, too, at the +skill that enabled one to paddle without noise. A gentle ripple--the +wake of the canoe--splashed against the bows of her own boat. + +"Surely, I am not dreaming," whispered the girl. "I must have startled +the man. Who could it have been, and is it possible that he has been +here watching us?" A number of surmises entered the mind of Harriet +Burrell. She collected her thoughts quickly and held her boat with the +oar, for she was drifting perilously close to the launch. She was now in +plain sight of the campers on shore. She could hear every word that was +uttered there. + +Harriet listened for fully fifteen minutes. All at once, she swung the +rowboat about, leaning her body to one side to assist in the turning. +The second oar that had been laid across the seats lengthwise of the +boat rolled to the other side with a rumble and a clatter that to her +strained nerves sounded like thunder. + +"Who's there?" called a voice from the launch. + +There was no reply. Harriet, in her haste to get away, splashed noisily. +She heard a quick exclamation, then the sound of two people jumping into +a rowboat. She knew it was the rowboat she had seen lying alongside the +launch. She knew, too, that the rowers were pursuing her. But even then +Harriet did not lose her presence of mind. Instead of doing so, she +dipped her oars and sent the boat shooting ahead, with the water +rippling away from the bows, making a noise that she feared her pursuers +would hear and thus be able to locate her position accurately. Harriet +had not once glanced over her shoulder, but her ears were on the alert +and by the sense of sound she was able to gauge the distance between +herself and the pursuing boat. + +"They're gaining on me!" she muttered. "But I'm going to fool them just +the same." + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +MAKING AN EXCITING DISCOVERY + + +The Meadow-Brook girl did not dare to go on and enter the secret channel +for fear of exposing the hiding place of the houseboat. She was watching +for some other nook into which to drive her boat. In case her pursuers +discovered her she determined to jump out and make her escape as best +she could, leaving the boat on the beach. Then a sudden idea occurred to +her. + +Harriet picked up a tin dipper that lay in the boat and that had been +used for bailing. This she hurled as far out in the lake as she could +throw it. The dipper fell with a splash that was plainly heard both by +herself and those in the pursuing boat. + +"Out there he is!" cried a voice in the other boat. She heard the +pursuers head out. Harriet took advantage of the opportunity to move +her rowboat ahead a few rods. She then turned it sharply to the shore. +The girl was fortunate in being able to find cover in the overhanging +foliage, behind which she took refuge. The water was quite shallow +there. The keel of the rowboat touched bottom. She heard the grating +sound as the boat grounded, but knew that she was not so firmly aground +that she could not get away. + +The men in the rowboat found neither the dipper nor the boat of which +they were in pursuit. Instead of rowing on, they craftily turned sharply +in toward shore in order to get the benefit of the shadows. One within +the shadow could see out fairly well, but to one who was out in the +lake, the shores and the water for some rods about were enveloped in +blackness. + +"Pull out a little, but keep close to the shore," commanded a voice. +"That fellow played some sort of trick on us and has gone on. It's +curious we didn't hear him. Row fast and I'll keep watch. If he gets out +into the lake we've got him." + +The rowboat shot past Harriet Burrell's hiding place so close that she +might have reached out an oar and touched it. She was tempted to give +the person in the stern of the boat a poke with her oar, but wisely +refrained from doing anything of the sort. After the boat had passed, +Harriet sat perfectly still, arms folded, a quiet smile on her face. + +"Harriet Burrell, you are a pretty good scout, after all. You wouldn't +have made such a bad Indian. I'll rap on wood." + +She drummed on the gunwale of the boat. "I hope they won't go far. The +girls will worry if I do not return soon. Still, Miss Elting will know +that there is a good reason for my remaining away so long. There they +come." + +The rowboat was returning. The rowers were moving more slowly now, +talking and wondering as to the man who had been spying on them. They +passed her talking loudly. One of them was threatening vengeance. The +girl waited until they had rowed a safe distance from her, after which +she cautiously pushed her boat out and began rowing toward home. Harriet +was chuckling under her breath, but her eyes and ears were on the alert. +She had not forgotten that canoe. Any person who could paddle like that +was well worth looking out for. + +Harriet rowed past the entrance to their retreat without having observed +it. But it was only a few moments later when she discovered her error. +She turned her boat more carefully this time, then rowed it into the +secret waterway. So quietly did she enter that her companions did not +discover her until the nose of her rowboat bumped the scow. + +There was a little scream, quickly suppressed by Miss Elting. + +"Is that you, Harriet?" she questioned, with no trace of alarm in her +voice. + +"Yes." + +"You were so quiet about it that you gave me the creeps," declared +Margery. + +"Did you find them, Harriet?" asked Jane. + +"Yes. And they came near to finding me too. They chased me nearly all +the way home. I hid in the bushes and waited. They passed me and came on +this way, I should judge nearly up to the entrance, after which they +turned about and went back. That isn't the only strange experience I +have had since I left you." Harriet related the incident of the +mysterious canoe. + +"What were the men doing?" + +"They were pitching camp. We are going to have near neighbors," answered +Harriet, unshipping the oar and tying the rowboat to the scow. + +"Of course, you do not know who they are?" + +"Yes, I do. It is George Baker and his friends." + +A chorus of exclamations greeted this announcement. + +"They have come over here to find us. I think we will play our second +trick on them to-night. It won't do to wait until to-morrow. We will get +caught if we do." + +"Those boys certainly are persistent. They must suspect that we are in +hiding somewhere hereabouts." + +"Yes. I wanted them to think so. I did not wish them to believe we had +been drowned and have the entire lakeside out looking for us. That +wouldn't be fun. It is more fun to tease and tantalize them." + +"Maybe they've got an oven tho Buthter can make her cuthtard," suggested +Tommy Thompson. + +"Please do be quiet, Tommy. We want to hear about the Tramp Club and +what we are to do to outwit them," said Miss Elting. "Did they bring +their tent with them, Harriet?" + +"Yes. At least they have a small tent. I don't believe they have moved +their permanent camp, but they are here in force, that is certain. Now, +I'll tell you about the surprise I propose to give them." + +Harriet explained briefly. At first the girls were not in favor of it, +but after she had gone into further details they grew enthusiastic. + +"You certainly do love to work, don't you, Harriet Burrell?" said Miss +Elting with a laugh. "But it is good for you. I like to see you all +active. One is likely to grow lazy on a houseboat." + +"Not on thith houtheboat," complained Tommy. "It keepeth me tired out +all the time watching other folkth work. My boneth ache all night long, +I am tho tired. When I get home I'll thleep for a month to make up for +lotht time." + +"Had we better start now, Harriet?" asked the guardian. + +"Oh, mercy, no; The boys are up yet and perhaps out on the lake. I +propose that we go to bed, setting our alarm clock for two o'clock in +the morning." + +"Help, help!" moaned Margery. "You'll be the death of me." + +"Thave me!" murmured Tommy. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +AN EARLY MORNING SURPRISE + + +Half an hour after Harriet had outlined her scheme to surprise their +friends, the girls were in bed. They were tired, as usual, and went +promptly to sleep. + +In the meantime the Tramp Club boys had been busy making camp. They +built up a campfire, and, before going to bed, cooked some fish that had +been caught by one of their number that day. + +"I don't believe the Meadow-Brook Girls are in these parts at all," +declared Larry Goheen. + +"It's a lark coming over here for a night's camping out, anyway," +answered Billy Gordon, "It is like being real Indians." + +"We aren't Indians," answered George, "It is those girls who are the +Indians. I'd just like to see any other girls in the state of New +Hampshire make the hike they did that last day we were on the trail. +They may be twenty miles from here by this time. If we don't find them +to-morrow I, for one, shall be in favor of making a trip around the lake +in the launch. We can pretend that we had to go on an errand, or for +some fishing bait or something of the sort. We mustn't let them know we +have been looking for them." + +It was after midnight when the boys turned in. They, too, went sound +asleep directly they rolled up in their blankets in their little tent. +Two hours later while the Tramp Club were oblivious to sound and time, +the alarm clock on the "Red Rover" went off with a thrilling whirr. The +girls sprang from their cots, Margery and Tommy protesting over being +awakened at that unseemly hour, as they characterized it. Harriet +lighted the oil stove and put the kettle on. The others went out to the +deck to wash their faces. Harriet, having finished her labors for the +time being, followed them. + +The air was chill at that hour. The girls were shivering, Tommy's teeth, +chattered. She stammered as well as lisped when she essayed to speak +now. + +"One more night like this, and Tommy won't be able to talk at all," +chuckled Jane. + +"My kingdom for another such a night, then!" returned Margery fervently. + +"Buthter ith too fat to feel the cold," observed Tommy Thompson. She +loved to tease Margery, and to mention her weight always annoyed Buster. +Margery was unable to think of anything sufficiently irritating to fit +that particular case, so she tossed her head and remained silent, while +Tommy's twinkling eyes were fixed upon her. + +By the time they had washed and dressed the tea kettle was singing +merrily. It was a welcome sound and made the girls feel almost warm. +Miss Elting, being first dressed, made the coffee. Harriet set out some +biscuits, together with the milk and sugar. + +"Now, I think we are ready," she announced. + +After drinking the hot coffee the girls felt themselves equal to almost +any task. The fire was put out and the light in the cabin extinguished, +then Harriet and Jane stepped noiselessly into the rowboat after +fastening the tow line to the scow. + +"All aboard," called Harriet softly. + +The "Red Rover" moved to the sound of muffled splashes; then a few +moments later silence settled over the secret channel. + + * * * * * + +It was early on the following morning that Captain George Baker opened +his eyes sleepily. He yawned, blinked and sat up. + +"I guess I'll take an early morning plunge," he decided. "I won't wake +up all day if I don't." Donning his bathing suit he stumbled out to the +lake and permitted himself to fall in. The captain splashed and paddled +about in the cool water for a quarter of an hour. His companions were +still sleeping. George did not awaken them, preferring to take a +solitary swim and rub down before calling them out. + +At last the captain of the Tramp Club emerged dripping from the water +and ran quickly for the tent. A few minutes later he appeared dressed +for the day. Walking down to the shore of the lake he gazed across the +water then uttered a sudden yell and began dancing up and down. + +"Come out, fellows! Come out!" he howled, "Look! Look!" + +Larry Goheen, Billy Gordon and the others came tumbling out, rubbing +their eyes and blinking sleepily. + +"What's the row?" cried Billy. + +"Mean shame to play pranks on a fellow when he's dead for sleep," +growled Sam. + +"Now, what did you do it for?" demanded Larry. "Explain, or in the lake +you go!" + +"I've already been in the lake. I'm dressed for the day. But open your +eyes. You are the sleepiest lot of fellows I ever saw. Why, a baby could +stalk you and you'd never hear it say 'goo.' Come, don't you +sleepy-heads see anything that interests you?" + +Instead of looking out over the lake they were looking at George. + +"Wait, I'll draw a map of the scene and write a directory to the map. +Even then you'd need a private tutor to explain it to you. Look over +there? Do you see anything? Wait, I'll get the telescope." + +Following the direction indicated by Captain George's upraised arm the +boys gazed and as they gazed their eyes grew wide with wonder. Then +suddenly an ear-splitting yell rose from the lips of the Tramp Club. + +"It's the 'Red Rover'!" shouted Sam. + +"We've found them at last, the tramps!" cried Larry Goheen, his shock of +fiery red hair fairly standing on end. + +"We've found them?" scoffed George. "Guess again, Reddy. You mean they +have found themselves for us." + +"Well, what do you know about that?" wondered Billy. "Where in the world +did they come from?" + +"They probably rose from the sea like Neptune," scoffed George. + +The "Red Rover" lay idly rising and falling on the slight swell, +standing out a glistening flame in the bright morning sunlight. There +were no signs of life on board. The boat was anchored some distance from +the camp occupied by the boys, but not far out from the shore of the +island. Naturally the houseboat was a little distance from the secret +channel. + +"Come on, fellows, let's go out and see them," urged Larry +enthusiastically. + +George gave him a withering look. + +"The girls are not yet up. Can't you see that? A fine opinion of us they +would have, were we to go out there at this hour. Do you know what time +it is?" + +"I can't see well enough in the morning to tell the time of day," +replied Larry, with a wry twist of his mouth. + +"Well, it is a quarter after five." + +The boys groaned. + +"Fine time to get a party of gentlemen out of bed," growled Sam. "What +are we going to do about it, anyway?" + +"You fellows are going to take a cold plunge, then get into your +clothes. We will have breakfast. I will start the fire while you are +bathing." + +The boys hurried into their bathing suits, and with many a shout and +yell, plunged into the lake. They were making all the noise they could, +hoping to attract the attention of the girls so as to have the +opportunity to get out to the houseboat as early as possible. But +eagerly as the lads gazed up the lake, the houseboat showed no activity. + +"They must be good sleepers over there," said Larry. + +Captain George smiled to himself. + +"They are only shamming," he muttered under his breath. + +Breakfast was served about an hour later. The fire warmed the boys, and +the coffee and food did likewise. After they had finished their +breakfast they were in great good humor. At half past eight, there still +being no signs of life on board the houseboat, Billy declared that he +was going out in the launch to see if he couldn't stir up something. +All hands piled into the launch. It was a matter of only a few moments +to run to the houseboat. The boys circled the scow slowly, talking +loudly. The windows of the house were open, the curtains flapping in the +gentle breeze, but the doors at either end were tightly closed. + +Having failed to attract any attention from the "Red Rover" the Tramp +Boys returned to camp, tied up the motor boat and sat down to watch and +wait. Nine o'clock came, then ten, but still no sign of life on board. + +Captain George grew a little uneasy. He did not know that the +Meadow-Brook Girls had eaten their breakfast more than an hour before +that, and that the girls were watching the boys, chuckling over the +perplexity of the latter. + +Once more the motor boat was taken out. As they neared the houseboat for +a second time they saw Harriet Burrell come out to the after deck, and +stooping over examine the anchor rope. + +"Halloo, there!" shouted George. + +Harriet paid no attention to the "halloo." Apparently she did not hear +them. George called again, and when Harriet turned and entered the +house, without having once glanced in George's direction, he grew red in +the face. + +"She didn't hear you," chuckled Larry. "You didn't yell loudly enough. +Why didn't you let me give them a roar? I'll guarantee to attract the +attention of any one within half a mile of me." + +"Run alongside, Billy. I'm going to make somebody notice me." + +Billy grinned, then steered the launch up close to the "Red Rover." +George rapped on the deck of the scow with a boathook. He had rapped +several times, and was again getting red in the face when some one +appeared. It was Harriet, who finally opened the door and peered out. +Her face wore an expression of disapproving inquiry. + +"Good morning," called George. The boys took off their hats. + +"Why, it's George Baker," cried Harriet as though greatly surprised to +see these visitors. "Girls, come out. Here are the boys." + +The Meadow-Brook Girls hurried on deck. + +"Where have you been?" questioned Miss Elting. "We did not think you +would desert us in this fashion. We have been expecting you ever since +we last saw you." + +George blinked rapidly. The boys glanced at each other and looked +perplexed and uneasy. Somehow, they had a feeling that they were being +placed in an unenviable light. + +"The question is, where have you been?" asked George in as gruff a tone +as he could assume. + +"Where have we been?" repeated Harriet wonderingly. "Are you joking, Mr. +Baker?" + +"No, I'm not joking. We have been worried about you. Where have you +been?" + +"Why, we have been not far from here all the time. And you mean to tell +me that you didn't know where we were?" + +George shook his head. His companions looked sheepish. + +"Did you sail over here so early in the morning to call on us?" +questioned Harriet innocently. + +"No, we are camping over there." + +"Oh! Then you came over to be near us? Isn't that fine?" laughed Crazy +Jane. + +"We--we thought may--maybe the fishing was better over here," replied +George lamely. + +"Oh, thave me!" muttered Tommy, then fled into the cabin that they might +not observe her laughter. + +"May we come aboard?" asked Billy. + +"Not yet, boys," returned Miss Elting in reply. "Our house is not set to +rights for company. Come over later. We should be pleased to have you." + +"Say. It's hot out here. Suppose we tow you in nearer to our camp. +There will be more shade there too," suggested Larry. + +"Thank you. That will be nice." + +"Come over and have luncheon with us to-day noon," urged George. + +Miss Elting also accepted this invitation, rather to the surprise of the +boys. Billy, without loss of time, fastened a line to the houseboat +attaching the other end of the line to a cleat on the after deck of the +launch. In the meantime Larry had jumped aboard the "Red Rover" and +hauled in the anchor for them. The launch then towed the scow up to the +camp of the tramps. Miss Elting motioned for them to draw the boat a +little beyond the camp, which was done. + +"Cast off," shouted Captain Harriet. + +Jane slipped the tow line then let the anchor go over with a splash. + +"You girls work just like regular sailors," declared Larry admiringly. + +"We will see you at noon," called Miss Elting. "You needn't mind to come +out for us. We have our rowboat." + +"No. We will come for you with the launch," answered Billy. + +As agreed, the boys came out with the launch shortly before twelve +o'clock and took the Meadow-Brook party ashore. George, with an apron +tied about his neck, was deep in preparations for dinner. Harriet and +Jane immediately put on their own aprons, which they had brought along, +and went to work, while Hazel and Margery bustled about assisting Larry +and Sam in getting the table ready. The boys had arranged rustic seats +in place of chairs, and the table, set under the spreading foliage, +looked very neat and attractive. + +[Illustration: George Was Deep in Preparations for Dinner.] + +That luncheon was one of the most enjoyable that any member of the party +ever recalled having sat down to. No reference was made to the +mysterious appearance and disappearance of the Meadow-Brook Girls until +near the close of the meal. + +"You haven't told us where you have been all the time," said Captain +Baker with affected gayety. + +"Oh, yes, I have. I told you we had been near here all the time," +answered Miss Elting, smiling tolerantly. + +"But how did you get over to this side of the lake? That is what you +haven't told us," spoke up Billy Gordon. + +"You mean that that is what you wish to tell us," replied Harriet. "You +towed us over of course during the night. You played the first trick and +won. But now you must tell us what became of the 'Red Rover,' the next +day." + +"But we can't," exclaimed George. "We hunted--" + +"Of course you did," laughed Harriet. "We were watching you all the +time." + +The faces of the boys grew crimson. Forks were dropped on plates with a +noisy clatter. + +"What's the use?" cried George Baker, getting up hurriedly. "Fellows, +we've got to confess that we're beaten in the first round by a lot of +girls who are a good deal smarter than we think we are, or than we ever +shall be." + +George sat down again and began mopping the perspiration from his damp +forehead. + +"And that isn't all," continued Harriet, laughing. "Unless you are +prepared to tell us just how we got back into the lake again we shall +consider ourselves entitled to the second honors, too." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +THE MIDNIGHT ALARM + + +The Meadow-Brook Girls shouted with laughter at this speech. Then, after +a few seconds of hesitation, the boys of the Tramp Club joined in the +merriment. + +"You win," replied George. "We can't answer you. Now tell us how you +disappeared so mysteriously, boat and all, and reappeared just as +suddenly." + +"Excuse me, but I don't propose to reveal our methods of procedure," +laughed Harriet. "Oh, you can't outwit us. You will find us ready for +you every time. We know all about last night, too." + +"I'd certainly like to know where you were last night," said Captain +Baker. + +"We were near you all the time, and you didn't know us," laughed +Harriet. "Even when you came out here yesterday you passed us by without +a single look. You did not see us. Then last night, when you were +chasing some one whom you thought was spying on your camp, you passed us +again, and--" + +"So that was you, eh?" jeered Larry. + +"Who was I?" answered Harriet innocently. + +"The mysterious boat we were pursuing," answered George, eyeing her +keenly. + +"Harriet ith not a boat," averred Tommy. + +"No. She is a mermaid," declared George with emphasis. + +"I beg to differ with all of you," said Sam. "The Meadow-Brook Girls are +the original will o' the wisps. But you haven't seen the last of the +Tramp Club yet. You have won twice but you shan't win again. Hereafter +we'll be on the alert." + +"You'll have to keep a watch on us night and day then," chuckled Jane. + +"This pleasant spirit of rivalry makes matters interesting," interjected +Miss Elting. "You have been very kind to us and helped to make our +vacation enjoyable. We enjoy harmless fun as well as yourselves. I might +add that we haven't fully exhausted our resources, either. And we wish +to thank you for warning us of your intentions." + +The boys blushed sheepishly. + +"Sam, you'd better keep still," suggested George. + +"That's what I say," nodded Larry. + +"Yeth, he talkth too much," agreed Tommy wisely. "But you ought to have +been with uth. We've had an awful time, too." + +"How so?" questioned Billy politely. + +"I fell in the water and Buthter made cuthtard and had no oven to bake +it in, and then--" + +"Who is talking now?" demanded Margery. + +Tommy subsided at once. + +"The question is, are you going to run away from us again?" demanded +George. + +"We never have. Remember, we followed you over here," suggested Jane. +"We shall be near here for some time in all probability. We have plenty +of time. After we get tired of this spot we probably shall move to some +other anchorage, but we'll be here for a few days yet." + +"Keep your eyes open, or you will miss us again and your last chance +will be gone," warned Harriet. + +"We shall keep our eyes open," answered George with an emphatic nod. + +The luncheon having been finished, Billy suggested that they spend the +afternoon in exploring the island. This suited Harriet. She wanted to +see how familiar the boys were with their island. So all started out, +leaving the dishes to be washed later. The girls shook their heads +disapprovingly. + +"Oh, we have a patent dish washing machine," announced Larry. "You see, +we dump the whole lot of dishes into the lake after having smeared them +with sand. We leave the dishes there and the waves wash them. All we +have to do is to take them out and lay them in the sun an hour or so +afterwards. As soon as the dishes dry off they are ready for another +meal to be served on them." + +"Ithn't that jutht like a man?" demanded Tommy. + +"This is Willow Island," Billy informed them after they had mounted a +ridge that commanded a view of about a quarter of the island. + +"It used to be," answered Harriet. "We have rechristened it." + +"What have you named it?" said Billy, regarding her inquiringly. + +"We have named it the 'Island of Delight.' How do you like it?" + +"Great!" shouted the boys in chorus. + +"Have you been all over it yet?" asked Sam. + +"No, we have not," replied Jane, and with truth, for they had not yet +explored the entire island. They were going to do so that day. + +Harriet wanted to test their woodsmanship, so she skilfully led the boys +toward the spot where the "Red Rover" had been so successfully secreted +during the time the boys had been searching for them. By making a wide +detour Harriet finally brought up right over the place where the cave +and the secret creek lay. + +Jane turned away that they might not see her laughter. In the meantime +Harriet and George were discussing the beauties of the place. She gave +him every opportunity to discover the retreat, but George looked about +him with unseeing eyes. As a matter of fact, Harriet admitted to herself +that had she not known that the stream lay below her she never would +have dreamed of its existence. + +There were smiles on the faces of all the Meadow-Brook Girls when +finally they turned away and slowly beat their trail through the thick +growth of vegetation to the lower end of the island. They spent some +time there, sitting on rocks, watching the boats on the lake. Many +admiring glances were directed toward the girls by the Tramp Club boys +who were very much pleased with the straightforward friendly manner of +the Meadow-Brook Girls. + +Finally they turned their footsteps homeward, reaching the camp late in +the afternoon. Larry ran on ahead and gazed out over the water. + +"What do you see?" called Jane. + +"I was looking to see if that 'Red Rover' had disappeared while we were +away," answered the red-headed Larry. "You can't tell about that craft. +It's just as likely not to be there as it is to be there," he added +lamely, then flushed when his companions laughed at him. + +"You're mixed, Larry," jeered Sam. + +"The 'Red Rover' behaves well when we are away," said the guardian in +reply. "We work our spells on it only when we are aboard. It would be +rather embarrassing to have the 'Red Rover' disappear while we were +absent. By the way, we should be happy to have you young gentlemen come +over and take tea with us this evening. Will you come?" + +George shook his head. + +"No, thank you. Not to tea. There are too many of us. But I'll tell you +what we will do. We will come over later in the evening and have a visit +and another concert. Larry plays the banjo. He'll give you an Irish jig +if you wish." + +"That would be fine," answered Crazy Jane enthusiastically. "Now, if I +only had my automobile horn, what a lot of noise we would make, wouldn't +we, boys?" + +"Bring the banjo by all means," urged Miss Elting. + +The boys assisted their guests into the rowboat which had been towed +ashore behind the launch. The little boat was well loaded and settled +perilously low after all had gotten in. Gordon shook his head and +declared it wasn't safe. Miss Elting answered that they didn't mind a +wetting. + +The rowboat was pushed out, the girls and the boys waving and shouting +their adieus. During the rest of the afternoon the girls were busy +sewing, ironing, getting their clothes in fit condition. Supper time +came all too soon for them. The dishes were washed and put away with all +speed that night, and about eight o'clock the boys put off in their own +rowboat. Larry was twanging his banjo on the way over. The "Red Rover" +was all alight in honor of their coming, and following the arrival of +the tramps, a jolly evening was spent. Larry played and the girls sang. +Sam essayed to join in, but ceased his efforts when his companions +threatened to throw him overboard. + +The party broke up about ten o'clock. The boys went home singing "Good +night ladies" to the accompaniment of Larry's banjo. The girls stood on +the upper deck watching the lads until a shout from the shore told the +watchers that their guests had arrived at the camp. + +"Now, what are your plans for to-morrow, girls?" asked Miss Elting when +they had gone below. "Do you wish to go into retirement?" + +"No. The boys have invited us for a ride in the launch to-morrow," +answered Harriet. "What troubles me is the matter of leaving the 'Red +Rover' alone so long. I think perhaps it would be better for me to +remain here to look after the boat while the rest of you go on the motor +boat trip." + +The girls declared they would not go at all unless Harriet went with +them. + +"That matter already has been settled," replied Miss Elting. "I am the +one who will remain aboard the 'Red Rover.' Harriet, you will chaperon +the girls on the motor boat ride. That will settle the objections, and +you will be every bit as good a chaperon as myself." + +The arrangement did not wholly satisfy the Meadow-Brook Girls. All were +very fond of their guardian, and they wished her to have a part in all +their enjoyments. They had not fully decided upon going when they +retired. + +"I wonder if those boys are planning anything for to-night?" mused Miss +Elting, a moment after turning out the lights. + +"Yes," answered Harriet confidently, as if she had been consulted. + +"What?" demanded a chorus of voices. + +"They are planning to go to bed. I saw them fixing the fire, just before +I got into bed." + +"Oh, fudge!" groaned Margery. + +"Thave me!" wailed Tommy. + +Jane suggested that Harriet ought to have a ducking, then one by one the +girls dropped off to sleep. + +The clock that Harriet consulted showed the hour to be ten minutes after +midnight. She had awakened suddenly, and with a feeling that something +were not as it should be. The girl rose softly, peering through the +window. The "Red Rover" was lying very quietly, there being little +movement of the water. No one was about, nor was there a boat in sight. +She stepped out on the deck, glancing about in all directions, her eyes +finally fixing themselves on the camp of the Tramp Club. + +"Those boys are up and moving about," she mused. "They have stirred up +the fire." Just then the girl heard the rattle of an oar in a rowboat. +The sound seemed to come from the camp. Harriet watched a few minutes. +Then turning quickly she went inside. + +"What is it?" demanded Miss Elting sharply. "Who is it?" + +"Harriet. Those boys are awake, and, I think, getting ready to come out +on the lake. I believe they are up to something." + +"What do you suspect?" + +"I don't know. Would it not be wise to awaken the girls and all get +dressed? We don't want to be caught napping, you know." + +"I should say not," agreed the guardian. She got up and went to the +window. Their conversation had been carried on in so low a tone that +none of the others had been awakened. Miss Elting gazed keenly; then, +bringing her glasses, peered through them at the camp of the tramps. +"Yes, they are up to mischief of some sort," she decided, lowering the +glasses and laying them aside. "Girls!" + +"Wha--wha-at?" cried Jane, her feet landing on the floor almost ere the +words were out of her mouth. + +Tommy hopped out of bed a few seconds behind Crazy Jane, but instead of +landing on her feet, the little girl went sprawling on the floor on her +face. + +"Thave me! Are we thinking?" she cried. + +"No, you foolish girl. We aren't sinking," answered Harriet laughing. + +Margery stood shivering in the middle of the cabin. Hazel had begun to +dress. + +"Dress yourselves at once," ordered Miss Elting. "Be quick about it. +They may not be coming here, but if they are, they will be here in a +very few minutes." + +"Who will be here?" demanded Crazy Jane. "Why don't you tell us what all +the uproar is about?" + +"Yes. You might better tell us than to frighten us half to death in this +way," complained Margery. + +"It is the boys. We think they are coming here to play a trick on us, +and if so, we wish to be ready for them," explained Harriet, who was +hurriedly dressing. The girls lost no time in putting on their clothes, +each dressing herself completely. Their hair, braided down their backs +for the night, was left as it was. There was no time to do anything with +that. + +"The boys are putting off in the rowboat, or at least getting ready to +do so," Miss Elting informed the girls, after another look at the camp +through the glasses. "What shall we do?" + +"I will fix it," answered Harriet. She rummaged about at the rear of the +cabin, then ran out to the after deck. They heard her on the upper deck +shortly after that. She soon bustled back into the cabin. + +"They have started. All of you get up on the deck overhead. Listen! I +will tell you briefly what we will do. We will give the boys a scare +that they won't soon forget." + +There were hurried preparations within the cabin of the "Red Rover," +following Harriet Burrell's quick orders, which were approved of by Miss +Elting. The girls then crept to the upper deck, where they crouched +down, peering across the water that lay between the houseboat and the +island. + +"There they come! Not a word from now on, girls," warned Miss Elting. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +THE ROUT OF THE PIRATE CREW + + +"Take your positions, and don't miss when I give the order to let go," +commanded Captain Harriet. "Oh, we won't do a thing to those boys!" + +Margery giggled. + +"Silence!" The captain's voice was stern. + +"If you cannot keep quiet you will have to go below," rebuked Miss +Elting. "You will spoil it all. Now, not another word." + +The silence of sleep settled over the "Red Rover." A gentle ripple at +the bows gave off a soothing, musical sound, but that was all. The girls +were now able to see a boat approaching them from the island, though +unable to make out the forms of the occupants of the craft. Miss Elting, +with glasses in hand, was studying the approaching boat. Fortunately the +night was dark, though the stars were shining brilliantly. + +"All lie down!" came the quiet command from the captain of the "Red +Rover." All except Harriet flattened themselves on the deck. The rowboat +drew slowly up toward the scow, then was permitted to drift in the rest +of the way. When almost alongside, the boys in the rowboat decided to go +around to the other side. This nearly upset the plans of Harriet +Burrell, but she quickly moved her force to the opposite side of the +deck near the stern end. Had the boys been sufficiently alert they might +have caught a faint rattle and a scuffle of feet. They were too intent +on their mission, however, to realize that anything out of the ordinary +was going on aboard the houseboat. + +A whispered conversation ensued in the rowboat, then two boys got +cautiously to the deck of the cockpit. There followed a period of +silence and a low-spoken command from below. + +A mighty yell suddenly broke from the midnight visitors. Howls and +shrieks, Indian war-whoops and beating on the cabin with sticks, +accompanied the shouts. + +"Pirates! Surrender!" howled a voice that was easily recognizable as +belonging to the red-headed Larry Goheen. "Whoop! Hi-yi-yip yah!" + +"We will settle the pirates," muttered Harriet. + +"Just listen to those lads," chuckled Crazy Jane. + +"Let go!" The command came sharp and incisive. A rattle of tin dishes +followed. Pails and pans were raised to the rail as five figures stood +up suddenly. "Stand by to repel boarders!" was the second command. Five +pans and pails of water were tilted, sending a flood of water down on +the heads of the surprised "pirates." From a tub of water on deck the +pails were quickly refilled and the water dumped over the rail. Not many +drops were wasted. Nearly every drop reached a pirate. + +Crazy Jane uttered a shrill war-whoop, then the girls grabbed and shook +her. The amazed pirates were in a panic. Three of them had been left on +the lower deck of the "Red Rover." The rowboat had been quickly pushed +off as soon as the occupants recovered from their first surprise. The +three Tramps made a leap for the rowboat. They landed in the lake with a +splash and went floundering toward the small boat. + +Tommy climbed to the rail and hurled a pan at the beaten pirates. But in +hurling the pan she lost her balance. + +"Thave me!" she screamed. Tommy plunged sideways from the rail, making a +complete turn in the air, landing in the lake with a mighty splash. + +Harriet dived off after her, fearing that her little companion might +have been stunned by striking the water on her back. But Tommy came up +before Harriet rose from her dive. + +"Oh, thave me!" wailed Tommy in a choking voice. + +All this had happened without the boys understanding what was going on. +They had taken aboard their three companions and were pulling into the +shadow of the island with all speed. Miss Elting and Jane had run down +to the lower deck. The guardian cast a rope. Harriet and Tommy brushed +the rope aside and swam easily to the end of the boat, where Harriet +assisted Tommy up, afterwards being herself assisted aboard by Crazy +Jane. The two thoroughly soaked girls staggered into the cabin, where +Harriet sat down on the floor, laughing hysterically. + +Miss Elting pulled down the shades and lighted the lamp. She stood +regarding her charges with a quizzical twinkle in her eyes. + +"What a mess! What a mess," laughed Crazy Jane. "But we repelled the +boarders, didn't we, darlin'?" + +"They won't try to play any tricks on us after this, I am sure," agreed +the guardian. "I'll warrant they are still wondering what happened to +them. But it was too bad. What a wetting they did get!" + +"Too bad!" exploded Harriet. + +"No. It served them right," interjected Hazel. "Why, they might have +frightened us to death." + +"They will be at our feet to-morrow," giggled Jane. "Tommy, did you ever +have any one fall at your feet!" + +"Yeth. You know Jake Thpooner? Well, he had a conniption fit, one day, +in the thtreet, and fell down right at my feet." + +"You mean an epileptic fit. But you shouldn't joke about a serious +matter like that," rebuked Miss Elting. + +"I wathn't joking. He did. It wath Buthter who laughed. I didn't. But +Buthter ith fat, you know. Fat folkth alwayth laugh when they +thhouldn't. They thhake all over when they laugh. I'm glad I'm not fat +like Buthter." + +Margery's face was flushed and indignant. Her companions were laughing +merrily at her expense. Harriet had gotten up and was removing her wet +clothing. Miss Elting lifted Tommy, who also had sat down, and gave her +a gentle push toward the dressing room. + +"Take off your wet clothes and get on your kimono. Girls, you may as +well prepare for bed, too. I don't believe we shall be troubled by +pirates again this night," said the guardian, with a merry twinkle in +her eyes. "You will not want to get up in the morning when you are +called. I fear we are losing too much sleep these nights." + +While they were preparing for bed Miss Elting took a final look at the +camp of the Tramp Club. There was activity there, but not nearly so much +of it as the last time she had examined the camp through her glasses. +The guardian smiled grimly at thought of the surprise they had given +those fun-loving boys. They had thought to make good their boast to get +the better of the Meadow-Brook Girls, but had met an ignominious +defeat. + +"I should not be surprised to see that camp deserted to-morrow morning," +mused Miss Elting. "I hope not. They are nice boys." + +"Are they coming out again?" asked a voice at the guardian's side. + +"No, Harriet. I think not. I am just taking a final look their way +before retiring. Did we leave the pails and pans upstairs?" + +"Yes. Shall I bring them down?" + +"Oh, no. It is not necessary. Morning will be time enough. Now go to +bed. We shall not be disturbed again to-night. Good night, girls. Sweet +dreams." + +"And pleathant nightmareth," mumbled Tommy from under the blanket. She +was found curled up in a ball when the guardian went over to see that +the little girl was comfortable for the night. The light was blown out +just as Harriet sought her cot. Miss Elting was in bed a moment +afterwards, and peace and quiet again settled over the clumsy "Red +Rover." This peace, however, was not destined to last long. It was to be +rudely broken ere the morning dawned. From down the lake a canoe was +coming, propelled swiftly and silently by a pair of muscular arms. The +canoe, if it continued on its present course, would hit the "Red Rover" +fairly on its nose. But just before reaching the houseboat, the canoe +veered to one side a little and the paddle trailed the water behind. +The canoe glided along to one side of the "Red Rover," then stopped. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +A MIDNIGHT VISITOR + + +The same dark canoe that Harriet Burrell had seen shoot out into the +lake before her the night she was reconnoitering near the camp of the +Tramp Club was now hovering about the houseboat. It would have appeared +almost uncanny to one not experienced in canoeing to observe the +absolute noiselessness with which the frail little craft was propelled +about the larger boat. When it was turned, it was as though the boat +were swinging on a pivot. When the half of its length was let down to +the water after such a swing, there followed not the slightest +suggestion of a splash. + +Lulled by the gentle lapping of the water against the side of the boat, +the Meadow-Brook Girls slept soundly. On shore the boys of the Tramp +Club also were sleeping. The girls on board the "Red Rover," as already +mentioned, had no fear of a second attack that night, nor had the +youthful pirates the slightest intention of repeating the experiment +that had turned out so badly for them and so triumphantly for the +Meadow-Brook Girls. It was quite evident that the newcomer did not +belong to the Tramp Club. His face looked dark and swarthy in the +moonlight. He had straight black hair and high cheek bones and there was +a revengeful light in his sharp black eyes as he scanned the silent +houseboat. + +Once more the canoe shifted its position and slid to a point directly +under one of the little windows. The window was open, the curtains were +streaming out through the opening. The intruder stood up in his canoe +without disturbing its balance in the least. + +Just about this time Tommy Thompson awoke with a little gasp. She had +been dreaming that Buster, in the guise of a pirate, was trying to +smother her with a sofa pillow. Tommy had been skirting the edge of one +of the "pleathant nightmareth" she had prophesied for the girls on +retiring. She sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes. Suddenly she uttered a +terrified scream. + +For the second time that night the Meadow-Brook Girls scrambled from +their beds in alarm. + +"Tommy, Tommy, what is the matter?" cried Harriet, springing to the +little girl's side. + +"I thaw the motht terrible fathe," moaned Tommy. "Oh, thave me." + +"Nonsense, Tommy," laughed Harriet. + +"You've just had one of those nightmares you were talking about when you +bade us good night." + +"No, thir," reiterated Tommy. "I thaw thomething. It wath a man and he +thtood right in front of the window. You thee I wath dreaming that +Buthter wath a pirate, and wath trying to thmother me with a thofa +pillow and all of a thudden I that up in bed and thaw thith fathe +looking in the window at me. That ith why I thcreamed," concluded Tommy, +with dignity. "I didn't have the nightmare. I tell you I thaw a fathe." + +"How ridiculous," sniffed Buster. "How could she see a face when we are +away out here on the lake. Why look!" she continued, stepping to the +window. "It's bright moonlight, and there isn't a boat to be seen on the +water." + +"Buthter doethn't know what I thaw," retorted Tommy angrily. "Thhe +hathn't my eyeth hath thhe? Buthter maketh me tired." + +"There, there, girls," reproved Miss Elting. "That will do. Harriet, I +think you and I had better dress, then get into the rowboat and do a +little investigating. Perhaps some prowler has visited the boat while we +were asleep. Light the lamp, Jane, and we'll see if all our belongings +are safe." + +Jane and Hazel made a rapid search about the boat while Harriet and +Miss Elting were dressing. Meanwhile Tommy and Margery sat on the edges +of their cots and conducted a spirited argument as to whether Tommy +really had seen a "fathe" at the window. + +"All ready," called Harriet as she ran to where the rowboat was +fastened. Then she gave a little cry of alarm that brought Miss Elting +and the others to her side on the run. + +"What is it, Harriet?" cried the guardian. + +Harriet stood looking out over the water, a piece of rope in her hand. +"Some one has stolen our rowboat," she gasped. "See, the rope has been +cut." + +"Then the Tramp Club must have come over here again in the night and +stolen it," decided Miss Elting. "Still that would hardly account for +the face Tommy saw at the window, and she is positive that she really +saw some one. I am inclined to think, however, that she had the +nightmare, and simply dreamed about that frightful face." + +"I can't see that there is anything particularly clever or original +about stealing a rowboat in the dead of night," said Harriet slowly, +"and I don't believe that the boys would think so either. There is +something peculiar about this affair and I believe that the Tramp Club +have had nothing to do with this latest puzzle." + +"That ith what I think," agreed Tommy. "It wathn't thothe boyth that +thcared me tho." + +"Nothing has been stolen from the boat," declared Hazel, "so it looks as +though our midnight prowler vanished when he heard Tommy's first +scream." + +"I'm going to mount guard for the rest of the night," announced Jane. +"It's half past two now, and by five o'clock it will be light. The rest +of you can go back to bed, and if any one else comes sneaking around +this boat, he'll have to come forward and state his business to Jane +McCarthy." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE + + +It seemed to the tired girls as though they had hardly closed their eyes +when they heard Jane call out: "Seven o'clock. All hands on deck." + +"I'm tho thleepy," murmured Tommy as she struggled into her clothes. + +"I'm pretty near dead," growled Hazel. "I think I'll never get rested." + +"Do let's hurry and have breakfast," pleaded Margery, "I'm so hungry." + +"Chronic thtate," murmured Tommy. + +"I don't have nightmares and wake every one up in the middle of the +night," retorted Margery, "even if I do get hungry sometimes." + +"My nightmare wath utheful, Buthter," returned Tommy calmly. "It helped +uth to dithcover that our boat wath gone. But your appetite ithn't the +leatht bit utheful, not even to yourthelf." + +"I'll never speak to you again, Tommy Thompson," declared Buster +wrathfully. + +"That maketh me feel very thad, Buthter," replied Tommy sarcastically. + +Breakfast was prepared and eaten in record time that morning. Then the +dishes were speedily washed and put away. The Tramp Club's camp showed +no activity until after eight o'clock, when the smoke from their cook +fire was observed curling up through the foliage on the shore of the +Island of Delight. A long-drawn "Hoo-oo-oo" from the camp told the girls +that they had been observed by some of the boys. + +Before nine o'clock the launch put out and sailed rapidly over to the +"Red Rover." + +"We didn't come to call. We just ran over to see what time you wished to +go for a sail?" asked Billy Gordon. + +"Come right on board, boys. We finished our work shortly after daylight +this morning. You see we are early risers," replied Miss Elting. + +The lads needed no urging. They hopped to the after deck of the +houseboat. But no sooner had they come aboard than they perceived that +something was amiss. George glanced at Harriet inquiringly. + +"What's the matter with you girls, this morning?" he asked lamely. + +"We had considerable excitement here last night. We were visited by +pirates," said the guardian. + +The boys flushed guiltily. + +"But that is not all," added Jane McCarthy. "We were visited later in +the night by a real thief." + +"Wha--at!" gasped George, somehow feeling that they were involved. + +"We will tell you all about it. Come upstairs, where we can sit down in +comfort and talk. Perhaps we may ask you to assist us in finding the +thief," said Miss Elting. + +The boys followed the girls to the upper deck, and after they had seated +themselves Miss Elting related what had happened. "Now, boys," she +concluded, "have you the remotest idea as to who could have taken the +boat?" + +For a moment George stared at the guardian in silence, then he said +gravely, "Perhaps you think, Miss Elting, that one of us sneaked over +here last night. I'll admit that we did play pirates, and got the worst +of it, but none of our fellows left camp after we got back from that +pirate trip. There is something strange about this, and it looks to me +as though you had a really malicious enemy." + +"That is what I think," replied Harriet. "You know, of course, of our +previous experiences. Some one is seeking to drive us away. To me it is +the work of a man who for some reason is our enemy. I thought we had +given him the slip, but he has found us again." + +"I will tell you what to do, ladies," spoke up George after pondering +the subject briefly. "You had better run your boat right up on the shore +at one end of our camp, where we can keep our eyes on you. When you wish +to move we will move with you. In that way you will have no further +trouble." + +"You boys wouldn't be of any help to us," interrupted Jane. + +"Why not?" demanded Larry Goheen, bristling. + +"Because you sleep too well." + +"I don't believe I should dare to spend a night on that island," said +Harriet Burrell, regarding the shores of the Island of Delight with +troubled eyes. + +"Why not?" repeated Larry. + +"There are strange things there," said Harriet, pointing. "Haven't you +seen them?" + +"Good gracious, no," answered Billy. "What do you mean, Miss Burrell?" + +"Ghosts!" answered Harriet, leaning toward their guests. The boys fairly +jumped at the words, then laughed heartily. + +"There aren't any such things," scoffed George. "Besides, if there were, +do you think we men would be afraid of them? I guess not. I'd like to +see the ghost that I would be afraid of. You bring out your ghosts! +We'll show you how quickly we will lay them." + +"Oh, I can't bring them out," murmured Harriet. "I thought perhaps you +had seen them." + +"Have you?" demanded Sam, turning on her sharply. + +"Oh, don't ask me," begged Harriet, in such apparent distress that Sam +did not question her further. + +"What's this that Harriet is telling you?" asked Miss Elting. + +"She's been seeing things, and thinks it queer that we have not, too," +answered George. "I wish we might. Then you don't think you would like +to run the boat ashore at the camp, so as to be where we can look after +you?" + +"I should not mind. But the girls think they are able to take care of +themselves, and I must say that I agree with them, George. Don't you +think they are?" asked the guardian. + +"They beat any boys I've ever seen. But then, you see, there are a lot +of us fellows, and then again, your enemies won't be so bold when they +know there are men around the premises," declared George pompously. + +Harriet turned her head away that they might not see her laughter. + +"Any way, let us tow you in closer to shore," urged George. + +Harriet shook her head. + +"Thank you, but we will fight our own battles. If we find we are getting +the worst of it we will scream for you. That is, if you are able to see +us. You gentlemen are short-sighted at times. The very idea of your +hunting all over the lake for us when we were here fairly before your +eyes! Look out that you're not so careless as to lose us again. Remember +it will be the winning stroke for us." + +Harriet's manner was so superbly disdainful, yet there was so much pity +in her tone, that the boys flushed painfully. + +"You won't lose us again the same way--don't worry about that," George +Baker retorted, with some heat. "But when are you going for a ride in +the launch with us?" + +"Why, I think we are ready now," smiled Miss Elting. "For one, I would +like very much to go to Wantagh, if you will be kind enough to take me +there. Harriet, I have changed my mind about remaining with the 'Red +Rover' and I shall accept your suggestion to leave you as watchman on +the 'Red Rover.'" + +"By all means, Miss Elting," replied Harriet. + +"I don't like to see you remaining alone," protested Hazel, as she +stepped, half-reluctantly, into the launch. "I know you'll be dreadfully +lonesome." + +Harriet, however, was far from lonesome. It was really pleasant to be +all by herself for a little while. + +When the launch reached Wantagh the girls promptly went shopping, with +the exception of Jane, who went to engage a rowboat, and Miss Elting, to +hunt up Dee Dickinson. It was an uncomfortable half hour for Dee, for +Miss Elting reported the loss of the rowboat and said very plainly to +him that she believed he understood the cause of the persecutions the +girls were undergoing. Still, Dee could not be made to talk freely. Miss +Elting left him, dissatisfied. + +"That man knows the cause of our troubles, and he simply won't tell me," +said the guardian indignantly to herself, as she walked away. "And just +a hint or two might enable us to save ourselves a good deal of +annoyance, and even protect us from real dangers. I wonder what it all +means." + +She said nothing to the girls about having seen Dickinson, when finally +she joined them at the pier. The girls had filled every available space +in the boat with their purchases and the new dingy was fastened to the +stern. The run back in the late afternoon was a delightful one. When +they came in sight of the "Red Rover" they uttered cries of delight. The +"Red Rover" looked like a huge flame in the sunlight. + +"It doesn't seem possible that such a boat could be lost sight of +anywhere, does it?" questioned Jane brightly, turning to Captain Baker. + +"No," he answered gloomily. "And it won't be again." + +"You can't tell, you know. It may disappear from the face of the waters +this very night." + +George looked at Billy. Jane had given them a hint that they were not +slow to catch. They did not know that she was teasing them for the very +purpose of making their surprise greater when it did come. + +The boys left their passengers at the "Red Rover" and then sailed over +to their own camp. The girls were glad to be back. The houseboat had +come to be a real home to them, one that they would be sorry to leave +when their vacation came to an end. + +Jane had purchased a dozen colored lanterns in town. As soon as darkness +fell, these were lighted and strung above the upper deck. The interior +was brightly lighted, so that the "Red Rover," that evening, stood out +more prominently than anything else on that part of the lake. Later in +the evening, after having disposed of their work, the girls took out the +new rowboat and rowed slowly round and round the "Red Rover" singing. +The boys came out at that and joined them. Together, the two boats +drifted about until the hour grew late and Miss Elting called to the +girls that it was time to come in. They responded promptly. The boys +rowed up alongside and holding to the gunwale of the "Red Rover," +chatted for a few moments. + +"So long! We will see you in the morning," called George as they pushed +the rowboat off. + +"Yes. In the morning--maybe," answered Harriet laughingly. + +"It's my opinion that those girls are going to try to play more tricks +to-night," declared Billy, after they had gotten a short distance from +the "Red Rover." He was speaking in a tone louder than he imagined. +Harriet heard every word he said. + +"Yes," agreed George. "I'll tell you what we'll do. We'll put a boy on +watch to-night. Then, if they try to run away from us, we will just +follow and give them a surprise. We can't let those girls get the better +of us this time." + +That was the last that Harriet heard. They had rowed so far away that +their words were inaudible. But what she had heard was quite sufficient. + +"And about those ghosts?" questioned Larry. + +"A bluff," scoffed George. "You don't believe in ghosts, do you?" + +"Well, I don't know. I have heard of such things," admitted Larry +solemnly. + +"Nonsense. I guess we will elect you to watch the houseboat to-night. +How about it?" demanded George. + +"I don't care." + +"But don't you dare go to sleep." + +"What if I do?" + +"You will get a ducking," interjected Sam. "You will get your +distinguished head held under water until you're wide awake." + +The plan, however, was put into operation soon after their arrival at +the camp. They watched the "Red Rover" together until all the lights +except the anchor light, had been put out. They knew, by this sign, that +the Meadow-Brook Girls had retired for the night. The Tramp Club then +went to bed, leaving Larry on guard. All he could see of the "Red Rover" +was the anchor light, the night being very dark and a little hazy. But +he never lost sight of this anchor light for more than a few moments at +a time. Were the girls to get away without his discovering it he knew +what to expect at the hands of his companions. Then again, Larry Goheen +prided himself on his keenness. It would be very humiliating to be +outwitted by the girls. He, with the rest of the boys fully believed +that the girls were planning some trick for that night. + +Larry watched that anchor light until just before the break of day, when +he called Sam to come out and take the watch until breakfast time. The +daylight had not yet become pronounced enough to make out objects +distinctly, but shortly after Sam took the watch the day broke bright +and clear. The anchor light seemed to fade away and merge into thin air +before his very eyes. He did not stop to reason that this was because +the morning light had become stronger than that of the lantern. + +Sam blinked and rubbed his eyes. He could hardly believe what they told +him. He uttered a yell that brought his companions out on the run. + +"What's up?" shouted Billy. + +"Everything. They've tricked us! They've gone!" cried Sam. + +"They have, I do declare," added George in a hushed tone. "When did they +go?" + +"Just now. I saw them." + +"You were asleep," rebuked Billy. + +"I wasn't! They disappeared! They went up in thin air." + +Just then they were interrupted by a long, piercing wail that seemed to +come from the air above and around them. The boys gazed into each others +faces. + +"It's a banshee's wail," whispered Larry. "Somebody's going to die." + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +A FRUITLESS SEARCH + + +"Don't be an idiot, Larry," rebuked If Billy Gordon. "Don't you know +what that was?" + +"Yes. I told you," whispered the red-headed boy. + +"Pshaw! It was only a cat bird," scoffed George Baker. "Who's afraid of +spooks, anyway? The fact is that those girls have outwitted us three +times. We have lost the wager. Now the question is, when did they get +away?" + +Larry declared that he had never removed his gaze from the anchor light +during his whole watch, except when he went to get wood for the +campfire. + +"There's only one way out of it," decided Billy. "Duck the two of them. +We will be certain to get the right party then." + +"'Nuff said," nodded George. The boys grabbed the two lads, and, despite +their struggles, managed to throw them into the lake, but in doing so, +George and Billy found themselves in the water, also. + +This little experience put them in a better frame of mind. The lads +quickly divested themselves of their wet pajamas and put on their +clothes. Breakfast was a hurried meal that morning. After breakfast they +sat down to take counsel among themselves while Sam scraped the dishes +then threw them in the lake to be washed by the lake itself. They +decided that either Larry or Sam must have fallen asleep, and that at a +time when the girls had moved from their anchorage. + +Both lads protested that nothing of the kind had happened. Sam stuck to +his story that the anchor light had faded away and that the "Red Rover" +had disappeared all in the same moment. + +"What are we going to do about it?" questioned Larry Goheen. + +"We are going to take up a collection for that camera, and then we are +going to find them," answered Billy. + +"We are going to try, you mean," answered George with a mirthless smile. +"We have tried before--and failed, and now we are obliged to confess +that we are beaten for good and all. However let us reason this thing +out. The 'Red Rover' couldn't have disappeared, it could have gone only +by being towed away. If a launch had towed it, the noise would have +awakened us, even though Larry or Sam had been asleep. If the houseboat +was towed by the girls, which it undoubtedly was, it can't be far away. +That makes our work easier." + +"There is only one flaw in your argument, George," interrupted Billy +Gordon. "Granting that they did row away from here, how do you know that +at daylight they did not pick up a launch and hike half the length of +the lake?" + +George shook his head slowly. + +"There wouldn't be any fun for them in that. They would want to be on +hand, to make faces at us behind our backs." + +"You may be right at that." Billy gazed reflectively over the lake. As +he gazed his eyes took on an expression of new interest. "What's that +out there, fellows?" he demanded. + +It was some seconds before they discovered that which had attracted his +attention. Then when they did so, they were unable to decide what it +was. They were certain that the object had not been there the night +before. + +"That's right where the 'Red Rover' lay," cried Larry Goheen. "Maybe +they have sunk." + +The boys with one accord ran for the rowboat. They shoved it off, leaped +in and began rowing at top speed toward the object that had attracted +their attention. Larry began to grin long before they reached the spot. +They finally pulled up alongside the object and stopped. + +The boys regarded it solemnly, then looked into each other's eyes. There +followed a shout of laughter. + +The object that had been discovered by them was a stick, which had been +thrust down into the soft bottom in shallow water. A lantern had been +tied to the top of the stick. It was this lantern, at the end of a +stick, that Larry Goheen had been watching all night, believing it to be +the anchor light of the "Red Rover." It was plain that the girls had +known that they were to be watched, and that they had taken the easiest +possible way to outwit their friends, by placing the anchor light on a +stick and leaving it at the anchorage while the "Red Rover" slipped away +unobserved under cover of the darkness. + +"Stung!" groaned Sam. + +"Worse than that," answered George. "There aren't any words in the +language to express what we'd like to say. Wait till I get the lantern." +The lantern was still burning and the chimney was considerably smoked. +George took it aboard and blew out the light. "You didn't see it go out +after all, Sam." + +"I--I thought I did." + +"I wonder when they left?" mused Billy. + +"Larry, what have you to say about that?" demanded George Baker. + +"Absolutely nothing." + +"They went away during your watch." + +"You can't blame him," answered Sam. "Anybody would have been fooled +under the circumstances." + +"Don't try to make lame excuses," jeered Billy. "Be a man and own up. +They outwitted you, and that's all there is about it. Now, what are we +going to do?" + +"Get out the launch and go on a hunt for them," declared George. "Any +one got a better plan?" + +No one had. They had no plans at all, but were too dazed by this last +trick that had been played on them to be able to think at all clearly. +They reached the shore and George stepped out. His foot had no more than +touched the ground before that same wailing cry rang in their ears +again. + +"I tell you it's a banshee," cried Larry, his shock of red hair fairly +standing on end. + +"We will attend to the ghosts after we have found the 'Red Rover'," +answered George. His face had paled slightly at the sound, and he +admitted to himself that he felt creepy. He was glad that they were +going away from their camp for a time. It was evident that whatever the +noise might be, it was intended to express disapproval of their presence +on the island. George remembered what Harriet Burrell had said about +ghosts on the previous evening. He had laughed at it at the time. He did +not laugh now. He was thinking and thinking seriously. + +No further cries were heard that morning. The boys put out their +campfire and set the camp to rights, Billy in the meantime being engaged +in cleaning and oiling his motor preparatory to the morning run around +the island and along the shore of the mainland. + +It was not exactly a joyous party that set out in the launch half an +hour later. They were chagrined at losing the contest and disgusted that +they should have fallen such easy victims to the ingenious schemes of +the girls. + +"Do you know, I have been thinking," spoke up Larry after they had +started. + +"That's something new," jeered Sam. + +"I have been wondering if all the strange things that have occurred to +the girls haven't been part of a plan to keep us stirred up." + +"Larry, I'm ashamed of you," exclaimed George indignantly. "Those girls +may be full of mischief, but they don't tell lies. They told us the +truth, about their mysterious enemy, and I don't want to hear any boy +intimate that they haven't. He and I will have a falling out right on +the spot, if he does." + +"I apologize. I--I guess I didn't mean it that way," stammered Larry. + +"They are too clever for us, that's all there is to it," added George. +"Run into that cove, please, Billy. There is something that looks like a +red boat in there." + +The something proved to be a small boathouse painted red. It did +resemble the "Red Rover" somewhat. They headed out of the cove, saying +little, but keeping up a lively thinking. The launch was run up the +shore of the mainland for several miles. + +"Shall I turn back?" asked Billy. + +"You might as well," nodded George. "I would suggest that we circle the +island once more. Shut down as low as you can. We must keep a sharp +lookout. There may be some way of getting a boat out of sight. I am +positive that they are about here somewhere." + +The encircling of the island was attended with no better results. Not a +trace of either Meadow-Brook Girls or "Red Rover" was discovered. +Disgusted and disappointed the boys headed the launch toward home. + +"I'll tell you what we will do," declared George as they were landing. +"We will spread out and search the island. I can't get the idea out of +my mind that they are not far away." + +"But what would they do with their boat? It isn't anywhere in the lake +about here, and surely they couldn't drag it ashore," objected Billy. + +"I don't know. I am beginning to think those girls can do almost +anything they set out to do. They are a clever lot. I never knew them to +start anything yet that they didn't go through with, usually ending up +by giving us the worst of it." + +Sam hopped ashore first and ran up to the tent. He peered in, then +uttered a yell. + +"Somebody's been here," he cried. "Wow!" + +The boys hurried up to the tent. The interior was in confusion. The +contents of the tent had been piled in a great heap in the middle of the +floor. A suit of khaki had been draped over sticks and leaned against +the side of the tent, looking like a live man at first glance. Outside +an oven had been constructed of rocks, and a fire put under it. On a +flat stone the coffee pot stood ready. The table had been set, the +potatoes pared and sliced ready for frying, in fact everything was ready +for the noon meal with the exception of the cooking. + +The boys looked at each other then burst out laughing. + +"We've had company," grinned George. + +"I wish they would come every day," added Larry. "They have sense +whoever they are, even if they turn our tent topsy-turvy. But wait. +We've got those girls now. We know they are somewhere about, and we'll +find them if it takes all day and all night to do it." + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +THE TRAMP CLUB FINDS A CLUE + + +"Hello! What's this?" + +Larry, stooping over, picked up a piece of filmy linen. + +"A handkerchief, isn't it?" asked Sam. + +"Let me see that, please," demanded George Baker. Larry handed it to +him. "It's a girl's handkerchief, boys. And here are two initials in one +corner. Hello! 'H.B.' What does that stand for?" + +"It stands for 'Have Been'," declared Larry. "Meaning that they have +been here. But they needn't have told us. We know that." + +"Yes; they've been here," replied George promptly. "Those initials stand +for 'Harriet Burrell.' They mean that the Meadow-Brook Girls have been +here and turned our tent upside down. But they made amends by getting +our noon meal started. I suppose we had better forgive them. What do you +say, fellows?" + +"Of course," nodded Billy. The others agreed. + +"Miss Burrell, having no card, left her handkerchief. But fellows, while +we are fussing around here, they may be getting away again. This may be +another of their tricks," declared George. "I would suggest, Billy, that +you eat your luncheon at once, then run out the launch and keep sailing +around to head them off in case they are running away." + +To this proposition, Billy demurred. He did not fancy going away by +himself. + +"I'll tell you what I'll do," he proposed. "I'll eat luncheon with you +first. They can't get far away before I get out, and even if they did I +should overhaul them. You know that old scow can be seen for miles." + +"I notice we weren't able to see it a few rods from us," observed George +dryly. "All right. Start the potatoes to frying. Did they hide the ham?" + +"They didn't find it. It's in the spring back there," answered Sam. "I +looked." + +The luncheon was prepared in a hurry and the boys ate ravenously. The +excitement of the morning had not interfered with their appetites. + +"Now, Billy, if you see anything, blow your motor horn and keep it going +until we hear it. Some of us will hear you. I propose that we spread out +so as to cover the island, but still keeping within yelling distance of +each other. We know now that the girls are on this island." + +"Well find them." Billy walked slowly down to his launch, got in, and +reversing the engine, backed out, waving an indolent hand at his +companions. + +Suddenly a weird scream rang out on the still air. + +"Run for it, boys. That way," cried George, pointing excitedly. + +"No! It's the other way," shouted Sam. + +"You're both wrong. It's toward the other side of the island," declared +Larry. + +"Now look here, fellows. We are all of us wrong. If we are going to +accomplish anything we must stop fooling and go at this business +scientifically. I will take this side of the island. Sam, you and two of +the fellows take the middle, and Larry the other side, keeping within +sight of the shore. We will search every inch of it, though I don't +believe we can finish the job before night." + +"We had better take our lanterns with us, or we shall break our precious +necks," suggested Sam. + +"Yes. We will do that. Larry, when you catch sight of Billy on the other +side, beckon him in and tell him we may not be back until late this +evening, and for him to keep circling the island until he finds us back +in camp again. Better take some grub along. We can stand it to eat a +cold supper for once. We will have a warm one when we get back." + +After having made their preparations the boys started out, all the +others waiting until Larry got a good start, Sam's party starting next, +George Baker leaving the camp last. In that way they planned to keep +pretty nearly abreast. + + * * * * * + +About this time Crazy Jane McCarthy, face flushed, hair down, her skirt +torn in several places, might have been seen fleeing along the shore of +the island, running away from the Tramp Club's camp and toward their own +secret nook, where the "Red Rover" was lying calmly at anchor in the +half cave that had furnished a hiding place for the girls before. + +She came tearing through the bushes nearly falling into the lower end of +the stream. + +"They're coming!" she shouted. "Get to cover!" + +"Sh-h-h!" warned Hazel, who sat awaiting Jane, in the rowboat. "I hear a +motor boat outside. I think it is the boys' boat." + +"I tell you they are on their way to search the island," answered Jane. + +"All of them?" + +"All but Billy Gordon. He has gone off in the launch to keep an eye on +the shore." + +"Then that is his boat out there. Get in here. I am worried that Harriet +is still out." + +Just then a soft "hoo-e-e-e" from the bushes on the opposite side of the +stream, told them that Harriet Burrell had returned. She had been out on +a scouting expedition. Hazel rowed over to the other side of the creek. +Harriet jumped aboard. Jane, in excited whispers, told her that the boys +were coming and that Billy was out in the launch. + +"I know. I saw him just a few moments ago. What are their plans?" + +Crazy Jane explained what she had been able to hear when she was +observing the Tramp Club's camp. She had seen Larry pick up Harriet's +handkerchief, though she was not aware that it was Harriet's. + +"That is where I lost it, is it?" laughed Harriet. "It is all right. +That will encourage them. If they go on beyond here they will find other +evidences that will lead them still further on. You see I wanted to get +them as far away from home as possible so as to keep them out after +dark." + +Hazel manipulated the rowboat until they were in the deep shadows of the +rocks, after which they climbed aboard the "Red Rover." Harriet +explained her plans to her companions and directed them to keep as quiet +as possible in case any of the searchers should come that way. The girls +had pulled the houseboat into the secret retreat on the previous night. +They had kept a watchful eye on the boys all the morning, to see what +they were planning to do, and Jane had given the lads the creeps by +uttering wild, weird cries in the depths of the forest. + +Harriet and Jane cooked themselves something to eat. They had been out +for a long time and were hungry. Their companions and guardian were +sitting about chatting with them. Miss Elting was of the opinion that +they were much better off in their hiding place than at an anchorage out +in the lake, always provided that their enemy did not find them out. +Harriet agreed with her, but thought they would be in a serious +situation if their unknown enemy were to find them. He had shown +evidences of keenness that made the finding of the "Red Rover" appear to +be a simple task for him. That he would annoy them further, the girls +were positive; that he already had located them was more than possible. + +Splash! + +Their conversation was suddenly checked. A stone had dropped but a few +feet from the rear end of the "Red Rover," falling into the creek. +Harriet laid a finger on her lips. Tommy had started to speak, but +checked herself in time. Harriet and Jane crept to the door of the +houseboat and peered out. As they did so a second splash startled them. +This time they saw the stone. It was a good-sized rock. It fell some +feet below the rear end of the "Red Rover." Some one was sounding the +thick growth there. Who it was, they discovered a moment later. + +"There's water down there, but it's shallow. I can tell by the splash," +announced a voice above them. + +"It's George," whispered Jane. + +"I'll take a look along the shore on my way back. There may be an inlet +that we haven't seen," continued George Baker, talking to himself. + +Jane gripped an arm of her companion. + +"If he does, we shall be discovered," she whispered. + +"Never mind. We will have scared them off long before then. He will +strike the trail I left for them, before long, if he keeps straight on. +That will mean that he will go right on and that he will call to the +others to join him when it begins to get dark. You know the island +begins to narrow a short distance beyond here. Won't it be funny to see +them following that trail? And what a surprise they will get before they +have finished with this day's work." Harriet chuckled. She had been +whispering. She paused suddenly as a pebble rattled down within a foot +of the stern of the "Red Rover." + +"They're getting rather close," whispered Jane. + +"Captain Baker kicked that pebble down. He is going away. Do you hear +him?" George was whistling to himself as he tramped away toward the +other end of the island. They heard him call to his companions shortly +after that and shout some directions to them. Then nothing more was +heard from the boys for the rest of the afternoon. + +The girls discussed the situation with Miss Elting. The guardian decided +that all the girls save one should remain on board the scow. One, she +agreed, might go out to reconnoitre. If the boys returned before dark it +would be well to know about it. Their further plans depended upon the +immediate actions of the Tramp Club. Harriet was the one who was chosen +to keep watch of their rivals. + +She began at once to make her preparations, tying her hair in a tight +knot on top of her head and drawing a waterproof bathing cap over all. + +"I am going to protect my hair," she smiled in answer to the unspoken +question in the eyes of her companion. "Those bushes pull out a few +strands every time I go scouting among them. I'll imitate the sound +that a crow makes if I see them coming back," she added. "No one must go +out in the meantime. All we can do is to keep quiet and wait. We've +already won the camera. We will have our fun when night comes, however, +and if we don't give those boys the fright of their lives I shall be +keenly disappointed." + +"Which way shall you come back?" asked Jane. + +"The way we came in. Don't have the boat wait for me down there. If I +have to come back in a hurry I will wade. Meadow-Brook Girls aren't +afraid of the water, you know." + +"We know," answered Miss Elting, smiling, "but be careful that you don't +fall and hurt yourself. Good-bye. I will have the sheets and other +things ready by the time you return. We have the poles here. I do hope +we get an opportunity to use the stuff now that we have been at so much +pains to get it ready. You see, I am just as anxious to play this trick +as the rest of you girls." + +Harriet laughed merrily at the prospect of the coming fun, then stepped +out into the rowboat that Hazel had pulled close to the stern of the +houseboat. A few moments later Hazel left her companion on the west bank +at the lower end of the little stream. Harriet slipped away through the +bushes almost noiselessly. If everything worked smoothly the Tramp Club +were to receive an overwhelming surprise. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +JANE PLAYS EAVESDROPPER + + +Two hours later the Meadow-Brook Girls were startled to hear a voice +directly over their heads call: + +"Girls, girls." + +"Who is it?" asked Miss Elting cautiously. + +"It's I. I'm up here, right where we heard George Baker talking this +morning." + +"You nearly thcared me to death!" gasped Tommy. + +"Speak more quietly, please," warned Harriet. "Jane, I wish you would +come up here. No; I'm not going to take you far. I want you within reach +of the boat." + +"Do you see anything of the boys, Harriet?" asked Miss Elting. + +"No, but I hear them occasionally. They are quite a distance ahead, +traveling fast, and ought to be back long before dark." + +Jane lost no time in hurrying to the lower end of the creek in order to +join her friend. Harriet lay on the rocks, at a point where she could +not see the water, and there Jane joined her. + +"What I want you to do," Harriet explained in whispers, at the same time +on the alert for sound or sign of the boys, "is to stay here, or not far +from here, so that you can warn the girls in case I signal by making a +cawing noise like a crow. I don't want the girls to make too much noise, +for it would spoil our fun if the boys should discover our hiding +place." + +"But how am I going to get back if I have to do so in a hurry?" + +"Can you go down a rope?" + +"Show me the rope that I can't go down," boasted Jane. + +"How about this one?" smiled Harriet, producing a coil of quarter inch +manila rope. + +"Well, it's small, but I'll try it. Where do you wish me to climb?" + +"I'll show you. Take hold of my feet and don't you dare let go. I surely +shall break my neck if you do." Harriet crawled over the edge, Jane +grasping her by the ankles to prevent her from falling. Then Harriet +tied one end of the rope to a root of a tree that stood on the brink. +"Look out below!" she warned, at the same time dropping the coil through +the foliage and shaking the rope until the coil finally dropped into the +stream. "Please draw the rope up to the boat," she called. "That's it. +Now pull me back, Jane." + +Jane McCarthy did so with some assistance from Harriet, who clawed at +the roots of the tree and pushed with her hands until she finally got to +the top once more. Reaching there she got up and surveyed the work with +approval. + +"Can you see the rope, Jane?" + +Miss McCarthy shook her head. + +"If you have to go down it be careful that you don't fall before you get +to the rope. Now do you understand?" + +"Do I? This is going to be great fun. Won't the boys be surprised when +we play our great trick on them?" + +"Provided they do not surprise us first," answered Harriet. + +"Where are you going?" + +"To follow George Baker's trail for a time. I can't tell beyond that +what I shall do. It will depend upon circumstances. Remember the signal. +I'm off now." + +Jane watched Harriet slip away. There was undisguised admiration in the +eyes of Jane McCarthy. Not a sound could she hear from her companion, so +silently did the latter move away. After Harriet had gone, Jane called +down to her friends that she was going to move from the spot and that +they should keep quiet. + +The hours passed slowly for Jane. She was too active to care to sit down +calmly and wait when there were things to be done, so Jane decided that +she too would explore a little on her own account. She started slowly, +edging down nearer to the shore, thus taking a different course from +that followed by her companion, toward the upper end of the island. + +Jane had been gone about an hour when she heard voices directly ahead of +her. She glanced about in quest of a safe hiding place. Not knowing +exactly the direction that was being followed by those whose voices she +had heard, she decided to run toward home. A shout from behind her at +that juncture told her that at least one of the party had gotten between +her and the hiding place of the "Red Rover." + +Without an instant's hesitation Crazy Jane ran to a low, bushy tree and +climbed up in its foliage with almost the quickness of a cat. Her +clothes suffered, but she did not care. Her sole desire now was to get +out of sight as quickly as possible. She would never forgive herself if +she were to be the means of their being discovered. As yet she had heard +no warning cry from Harriet Burrell. + +Jane had hardly secreted herself in the foliage of the tree when another +hail sounded between her tree and home. + +"Is that you, boys?" It was the voice of George Baker. + +"Yes," answered Sam. "What's up?" + +George made his way toward them. Jane could hear him forcing his way +through the bushes. + +The two parties met in an open space a short distance from the tree that +held Jane. She was straining every muscle to get a glimpse of them. + +"Some one has been along here since I passed," declared George. "I found +a footprint in the moss over there, and it was a woman's." + +"So did we find the same thing," answered Larry. "There's something +queer about this whole island. I feel spooky all the time. Did you hear +any one?" + +"No." + +"Well, I did. Some one threw a stone at me. It dropped right at my +feet." + +Jane giggled softly. Harriet had been playing tricks on them. She +wondered where Harriet was. Jane would have given the signal, but dared +not do so. In the first place she was not sure that she could imitate a +crow so as to deceive a person, and in the second place the boys were +too close to her to run any chances. + +"They are here, all right, boys," cried George. "I was certain of it all +the time." + +"It may be spooks," answered Larry Goheen. + +"Well, just let them come out. I guess we can take care of any spooks +that we shall find on this island. But we must get busy again. It will +soon be dark. Spread out, fellows. I'll tell you what we'll do. Taking +that tree there for a centre"--waving toward the tree occupied by Crazy +Jane McCarthy--"we will circle about, making the circle larger each time +we start out." + +"Wait. I'll climb the tree and take a look around," interjected Sam. He +started for the tree. His hands had grasped it ere Jane realized that +hers was the tree meant. For once in her life Crazy Jane McCarthy was at +a loss to proceed. She did not know what to do. But George unknowingly +came to her rescue. + +"Never mind the tree. It's too low. You can't get high enough to look +over the tops of the bushes. You come along as I suggested." + +"How ever am I going to get out of this?" muttered Jane. "Won't Harriet +be cross when she finds I've quit my post and gone out on my own +responsibility?" Her further reflections were interrupted by a loud +"caw, caw, caw!" + +"What's that?" cried Larry in alarm. + +"It's a crow, you tenderfoot," jeered George. "Didn't you ever hear one +before?" + +"Harriet!" exclaimed Jane under her breath. "She has discovered where +the boys are. She's giving me warning and I dare not answer her. What +shall I do?" + +"Yes, I have heard crows, but I never heard a crow with a voice like +that," answered Larry. "I'll bet it's no more crow than I am." + +Once more the crow cawed. This time the bird's voice sounded much +farther away. Jane reasoned it out when she said to herself that Harriet +had probably turned her head away or else had cawed in a lower tone to +deceive the boys, who were now moving rapidly away, making as many +circles as there were boys in the party. + +Jane dared not get down from the tree, but she began moving about, +seeking a better position from which she might look the ground over. If +the boys got far enough away she might try to run, but then there was +the probability of meeting their rivals, no matter which way she sought +to escape. + +[Illustration: Jane Dared Not Get Down From the Tree.] + +The crow cawed again. + +"I tell you that isn't a crow," shouted Larry. + +"Go on, go on!" called George. + +Jane listening intently, concentrating her attention on what was being +said, rather than what she was doing, lost her footing. She grasped +frantically for a limb and caught one. But the limb did not hold. It +snapped and came away in her hand. + +Crash! She landed on a bunch of small limbs and branches. She went right +on through them, tearing off leaves with frantic hands in her efforts to +get hold of something that would stop her progress. The foliage checked +her fall a little, but not sufficiently to prevent her falling the rest +of the way. + +A yell from Larry Goheen, an answering shout from George, and another +from Sam, told that the boys had heard the fall. They began running +toward the tree, with shouts of triumph. + +"We've got somebody," yelled George. "Look sharp, fellows." + +"I'm on the job," howled Sam. + +"Get clubs. It may be a spook," howled Larry. + +The Tramp Club surrounded the tree, keeping their formation as well as +possible, not forgetting that their prey might slip away from them did +they not guard all sides. As yet they did not now who or what that prey +was. A moment later they halted with exclamations of surprise. + +Directly beneath the tree in which Jane McCarthy had been hiding stood a +man. He was dark and swarthy, with high cheek bones and jet black hair. +He was an Indian half-breed. The fellow stood scowling, regarding the +boys with angry eyes. Broken limbs and scattered leaves showed where +Jane McCarthy had fallen from the tree, and broken bushes also showed +where she had floundered after reaching the ground. + +The Tramp Club gazed at the scowling face of the half-breed in +speechless amazement. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +A DOUBLE SURPRISE + + +"Who you?" growled the strange man. + +"We--we--" began Larry. + +"I beg your pardon, sir. You aren't the person we were seeking," +apologized George Baker. + +"Who you look for?" + +"Oh, a friend of ours. I am sorry if I disturbed you. Were you up in +that tree?" demanded George, a sudden thought occurring to him. He +wondered if this questionable-looking half-breed had been up there while +they were holding their conference a short time before that. + +The fellow made no reply. He stood regarding them with inquiring, +suspicious eyes until the boys grew restless under his scrutiny. + +"Well, you needn't look at us that way," declared George, flushing under +the steady, disconcerting gaze of the stranger. "We don't know you and +you don't know us, and I guess you don't own the island. Come on, +fellows." + +The boys started away, trudging thoughtfully towards home. As for Jane +McCarthy, the instant she reached the ground, she had scrambled to her +feet and darted into the bushes, where she threw herself on the ground, +breathing heavily, waiting for what might come. What did come amazed +her. She saw the man dash up and glance hurriedly about him. It was +evident that her fall had attracted his attention, and that he had run +to the tree, hoping to catch some one. Gazing at him through the bushes, +the girl decided that he must be an Indian. She gazed at him long and +earnestly, forgetting for the moment her own precarious position. + +Then the boys came. The half-breed stood scowling after them as they +hurried away. At this juncture the "caw" of a crow was heard again. He +started slightly, bent his head and listened, but there was no +repetition of the signal, for which Crazy Jane McCarthy was devoutly +thankful. It was plain that he knew it was not a crow, that he +understood it to be a signal of some sort. + +The half-breed suddenly turned, starting toward the shore of the lake at +a brisk pace, worming his way through the bushes with almost no +disturbance at all, even at the swift pace he was keeping up. + +Jane had lost her fear now. The boys had gone on out of sight and sound +and the intruder was hurrying toward the lake. The girl, however, did +not dare to run. She feared to meet the Indian, so she crept along +cautiously. It was but a short distance to the shore of the lake. She +reached there after having followed the Indian's trail. Jane was just in +time to see the fellow launching a canoe. It was a dark green boat, +showing long and hard usage. + +The fellow leaped in and sent the boat well out into the lake with a +single stroke of the paddle, after which he glided up the lake, keeping +close in shore under the partial protection of the foliage. Fortunately +Jane had thrown herself down again immediately on seeing him, else he +might have caught sight of her. That he was a man experienced in the +woods, as well as on the water, was plain to be seen. She watched him +out of sight, then hurried back to the spot where she had met with +disaster and gave the crow signal. It was not much of a success. She +repeated it and did better. Jane called several times. Then she jumped +clear off the ground at the sound of a voice behind her. + +"Jane McCarthy! What are you doing here?" + +"Harriet!" + +"Yes, it's I. But what on earth have you been doing?" + +"Di--did you see the man?" gasped Jane. + +"Wait a moment. I don't understand you. What is it about a man?" + +"I--I was in the tree there when the boys came back. I heard them coming +and climbed the tree to hide." + +"I was doing the same thing." + +"I--I fell out of the tree--" + +"Gracious! They didn't discover you, did they? I heard them shouting and +running, and wondered what they had discovered." + +"No. I dived into those bushes and lay down. Just then a man appeared. +He looked to me like an Indian. He is a dangerous man, Harriet. When the +boys came up and found him standing here you ought to have seen the +expressions on their faces. Oh, it was funny." + +"Which way did he go?" questioned Harriet eagerly. She was not laughing +now. Another idea had occurred to her. + +"Down to the lake. I followed him and saw him get into his canoe and +paddle away." + +"A canoe, did you say?" + +"Yes. It was an old thing, but, my goodness, how it could go! And the +man paddled without making a sound. I never saw any one handle a canoe +like that." + +Harriet gazed at her companion, the lines of her face contracting. + +"Jane," she said, "I saw that man myself. It was the night I rowed out +to see who was making camp near us. He shot out ahead of me in his canoe +and disappeared. I must have disturbed him." + +"But who--what?" gasped Jane. + +"I believe he is the man who has been following us and trying to drive +us away. I can't think of any other reason for his acting as he has. He +undoubtedly knows that we are somewhere about, and has been looking for +us just as the boys themselves have been doing." + +"Good gracious," muttered Crazy Jane. "I'm sorry I didn't stay on the +boat." + +"And I am glad you did not. You surely have discovered something. Would +you know the man if you were to see him again?" + +"Yes." + +"Then we will see if we can't discover him again. I believe we are +getting near to a solution of the enemy that has been following us. +Either we must settle him or he will do us some injury. I am glad the +boys saw him, too. I am going to suggest to Miss Elting that we go back +to our old anchorage to-morrow. To-day we have other plans on hand. And +that reminds me. It is getting dark and it is time we were getting back +to the boat. We will go down the rope when we reach there. Come." + +The two girls hurried along, keeping a sharp lookout, not knowing but +that the boys might be lying in wait for them. They reached the rocks +above the houseboat. All was quiet below. Jane went down the rope first, +landing in the creek. Harriet did the same, and none of their companions +discovered either of them until Jane had climbed aboard the boat and +appeared dripping before them. + +"Here we are, girls," laughed Jane. + +"Did you discover anything?" asked Miss Elting eagerly. + +"We did." + +"Tell us what happened," urged the guardian. + +"The boys found the false trail we made, as well as the one we did not +wish them to find. They nearly discovered Jane, too. She sat in a tree +while they made their plans nearby. Then Jane fell out of the tree." + +The girls shouted. + +"And what do you think?" continued Harriet. "The boys were only a short +distance away. They hurried to the scene, and when they got there they +found--" + +"Jane," finished Tommy. + +"No. A man. A half-breed from what Jane says. He went away in a canoe. +He did not see her." + +Miss Elting regarded Harriet reflectively. + +"Yes, I think it was the same one," said Harriet in answer to the +guardian's unspoken question. "It is evident that our presence here is +suspected by others than the Tramps. I would suggest that we carry out +our plans to-night, then move away from here to-morrow." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +SPOOKS OF THE LONESOME ISLE + + +"Yes, I know the way. I could go there blindfolded," answered Harriet, +in reply to a question from Miss Elting. + +The hour was nine o'clock in the evening. The night was very dark, +though the stars were shining. It had been decided that Margery and +Tommy should remain on board the "Red Rover," putting out all lights and +locking the doors, though no anxiety was felt about them, as there was +scarcely a chance that their presence would be discovered, provided the +girls remained quiet. + +The paraphernalia for the evening's enterprise was carefully loaded into +the rowboat; then, with final admonitions to Tommy and Margery to keep +silent and not be afraid, the party set out in the rowboat for the +entrance of the creek. They paused there long enough to make certain +that no one was about, after which they rowed along the shore a short +distance and made a landing at a point where the ground was fairly +level. + +"Now be very quiet," whispered Harriet. "Remember the signal to return +to the boat is one long caw. Two caws in quick succession mean 'hurry.'" + +"We shan't be far apart, shall we?" questioned Hazel, somewhat +apprehensively. + +"No. Within speaking distance," replied Miss Elting. "Leave it to +Harriet and Jane to make the first advance. We will follow when the time +is right. It is fortunate that we left Tommy and Margery at home. Are +you ready, Harriet?" + +It was a silent party of four shadowy figures that made its way +cautiously along the shore of the island for some little distance. The +party then turned sharply to the right and disappeared among the bushes +that marked a slight rise of ground. Reaching this rise they turned to +the left and once more proceeded straight ahead. + +The lights of a campfire were soon distinguishable between the trees. +The party was nearing the camp of the Tramp Club. The time to prepare +for their final triumph was at hand. + +"Now, Harriet," urged Miss Elting in a half whisper. + +"Yes. I will go around to the other side of the camp. That will be the +most difficult position to get away from, so I am choosing it for +myself. Jane, you will remain here, while Miss Elting and Hazel will +take a position halfway between us. You see that will enable us +practically to surround the camp. After you hear me, wait a moment, then +give them a thriller." + +Harriet, accompanied by the guardian and Hazel, stepped promptly away. +After going on for some distance, the girl directed Miss Elting and +Hazel to stop and remain where they were, except that they were to +separate, yet keep within easy call of each other. This detail arranged, +Harriet went on. + +According to previous arrangement, Jane, Miss Elting and Hazel gradually +crept nearer to the camp, continuing until they could make out the +figures of the boys quite plainly. The latter were sitting about the +campfire. Their attitude was one of dejection. They had been outwitted +and they knew it. + +"If we don't find those girls to-night, then to-morrow morning we'll get +out of here," announced George. "They know that they have won and we'll +let them come and tell us so rather than hunt all summer for them." + +"What about that half-breed?" asked Sam. "I think we'd better find out +who he is. I didn't like the looks of that fellow a little bit." + +"Neither did I," agreed George. "Queer we never saw him around here +before." + +"You must remember this is a large lake," Billy informed them. "He +probably is a fisherman who hangs out on the island, and who resented +our encroaching upon his preserves. I think I saw the same fellow once +in a canoe, but he was so far away that I don't think I would know him +were we to meet face to face." + +"There are too many mysterious things on this island," averred Larry +Goheen, with emphasis. "I, for one, shall be glad to get away from it. I +know there are spooks here." + +"Spooks!" jeered George. "Who's afraid of spooks? Who--" George's voice +trailed off almost into a whisper. "I heard something," he exclaimed. + +"So did I," added Larry, nodding. + +A laugh, a distinctly human laugh, shrill and mocking, was wafted to +them. The boys gazed questioningly at each other. Larry glanced about +apprehensively. Then out of the night came the most weird, most +demoniacal laugh any member of the Tramp Club ever had heard. + +The boys sprang to their feet. + +Other laughs, accompanied by shrieks, followed each other in quick +succession. The laughs seemed to come from all quarters. It was +difficult to say from just what particular point any one of them did +come. + +"Spooks!" yelled Larry Goheen, bolting toward the lake. Billy caught and +jerked him back. + +"No, you don't," growled Billy. "We stand together." + +"I don't want to stay here," chattered Larry. "I never try to fool +people with fake courage when I know that running is my one best course +to pursue." + +"Is there a lunatic asylum in this part of the country?" asked Baker. +"Can it be possible that any of the inmates have escaped." + +Billy Gordon shook his head. "Nothing as easy as that," he sighed. + +"Great Scott! There it goes again!" breathed Larry. "It's down that way, +too," pointing in the direction taken by Harriet Burrell. + +It was a long, weird wail, well calculated to freeze the marrow in one's +bones. + +"Come on, fellows!" cried George, with a fine showing of resolution. +"We'll lay that ghost!" + +George was the only one of the boys who thought to snatch up a club as +he ran. But now the unearthly sounds came from the rear, instead of +ahead of them. The boys wheeled abruptly, only to hear right in front of +them a dismaying chorus of ghostly noises. + +"Let's go!" urged Larry. "It's surely a lot of banshees!" + +"Great Scott! Look!" quivered Sam, pointing with trembling finger. + +In the faint light the boys made out a white figure that might have been +anywhere from seven to ten feet in height. The boys were too scared to +judge of length. The awful thing raised its draped arms, a frightful +scream sounding on the air. + +At that Billy lost his grip on Larry's arm. Goheen made no apologies, +but made a straight, swift dash for camp. + +The other boys hesitated for a few brief seconds; then they, too, headed +for camp. They were not exactly running. They were leaping like as many +frightened rabbits, fleeing from a rabbit hound. In their haste they +lost their way and were proceeding directly toward the spot where Jane +McCarthy was standing. + +Jane finally heard them coming. She was filled with glee. She had feared +that she was not to have an opportunity to play an important part in +this ghost party. Making a noise like a ghost did not wholly satisfy +Crazy Jane McCarthy. What she wanted was something more exciting. Her +opportunity came very quickly. The boys were nearly up to her, ere she +realized that they were so close. + +A wild wail halted them. + +"Come on, you fellows!" yelled George to his faltering companions. + +"There it is!" howled Sam. + +He had espied another figure that looked exactly like the first ghost. +George discovered it at about the same time. George made a brave rush +toward the figure, yelling to frighten it. But Crazy Jane was not easily +frightened. She advanced slowly, waving the long, draped arms, and +moaning. All at once something came down on the head of George Baker, +just as he had raised his club to hurl it at the ghost. The something +was a long tough stick in the hand of Jane McCarthy. + +George uttered a howl and sprang back. The ghost advanced on him. Billy +got a light tap, then Sam yelled as something damp brushed his cheek. +He did not know that it was the leaf of a bush. He thought it the cold, +clammy hand of the ghost. + +The boys having gotten more than they had looked for, began to retreat. +Sam was the first after Larry to run. He did so with all speed, followed +closely by George and Billy. They were confused. They did not know just +where the camp was located. Glancing over their shoulders they saw that +the ghost was pursuing them. The boys began to shout anew, and to run +even at greater speed. + +"There's some more of them," howled Sam. + +"Yeow!" yelled George. He sprang to the left, in which direction he +believed the camp lay, then he halted. Another ghost was confronting +him. George hesitated. The ghost uttered a moan. The brave George Baker, +captain of the Tramp Club, took to his heels. The others did the same, +except that each took a different direction. Wherever they ran they were +followed by moans and screams, principally from the lips of Crazy Jane +McCarthy. + +It seemed to their excited imaginations that the woods were full of +ghosts of giant stature, with voices capable of making one's hair stand +on end. The worst of it was that the ghosts persisted in pursuing them. +They chased the brave Tramp Club right into camp, where the lads +arrived one by one. Instead of stopping the boys bolted for the launch, +in which the frightened Larry Goheen already had sought safety. + +"Cast off," yelled George, the last to leap into the boat. + +The launch was shoved from the shore and allowed to drift while the boys +sat shivering, listening to the wails from the forest. + +"Good-bye," answered Sam. + +"Fellows, we are all cowards," declared George, beginning to get control +of himself. "We should have staid and knocked them out." + +"I'll go back, if you say so," answered Billy promptly. + +"No. I've got enough of this place. To-morrow morning we break camp and +go back to the other camping place. No more ghost parties for mine." + +"As long as we have decided to move why not go now," suggested Larry. + +The boys discussed the matter briefly, then decided that they would. Sam +was put on guard to watch for the return of the ghosts while the others +hurriedly broke camp. But there were no more ghostly moans nor ghostly +intruders that night. + +The ghosts in the persons of the Meadow-Brook Girls were on their way to +their rowboat. Beaching it they sat down and laughed until their eyes +were wet with tears. + +"It was a mean trick to play on them," gasped Miss Elting. "But I think +we have more than won our wager. It is a wonder that they didn't suspect +us." + +"There goes a boat!" cried Jane. "It's a launch." + +"It is the boys. We have frightened them off," answered Miss Elting. + +The girls rowed quickly home, but ere they had reached the entrance to +the secret creek they were startled by the sound of a shrill scream. +They recognized the voice as Tommy's and began to shout, and to row with +all their might. A moment later, just as they were about to turn into +the opening with their boat, a canoe shot out and darted across their +bows, disappearing in the darkness. + +"A man, a man!" yelled Tommy as Harriet shouted to know if the two girls +were all right. Tommy threw open the door and in her excitement walked +off the after deck of the "Red Rover" and fell forward into the stream. + +"Jane, do you recognize that man?" cried Harriet excitedly. + +"Yes," exclaimed Jane, "he's the man I saw this afternoon, and he's our +mysterious enemy too, or my name's not Jane McCarthy." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +ON A STORMY CRUISE + + +It was late on the following forenoon when the Meadow-Brook Girls might +have been observed towing the "Red Rover" out from the creek in which it +had been anchored. They decided that it was high time to leave. + +During their absence, and while they were frightening the Tramp Club +with sheets draped over sticks and carried high above their heads, Tommy +and Margery had been having an exciting experience. They had been +anxiously peering out of the cabin, when after an hour or so they +discovered a canoe approaching the scow. At first they thought it one of +their own party who was paddling the canoe. They soon discovered that it +was a man. The girls were too frightened to do more than watch him in +almost breathless silence. But when the man climbed aboard the after +deck, after satisfying himself that the boat was deserted, they decided +that it was time to move. + +Tommy uttered a scream. Margery followed suit and their cries had been +heard by the returning ghost party. The man did not tarry to see who had +screamed. He sprang into the creek, where, pushing his canoe ahead of +him, he ran down the stream. He had then leaped in and had given the +paddle the first swift sweep when discovered by Harriet and her party. + +Miss Elting was really alarmed when she heard their story. She decided +to sit up all night and watch. Jane and Harriet kept watch with her. +They did not retire until daylight, after which they got a few hours of +sleep. Then came a late breakfast and the preparations for departure. +They were going back to the other side of the lake, where they intended +to tie up at their old anchorage near the main camp of the Tramp Club. + +After dragging the houseboat out and finding a suitable anchorage, +Harriet rowed over to the mainland. Running up to the farmhouse she +telephoned to the nearest town for a launch to come down and give them a +tow. Billy Gordon and his motor boat were not on hand for the purpose +this morning. + +When about eleven o'clock a launch came down the coast in search of them +the wind had risen and the lake was rough. It was an old boat and did +not look as though it could stand much weather. The man running the boat +said there was rather a stiff sea on the other side of the island, but +he thought he could make it. Miss Elting said she would give him five +dollars if he would take them across. He made fast to the "Red Rover" +and started. + +Once they had rounded the island they did not think the waves would be +very high. Being protected by a point of land they did not get the full +force of the wind. Nor did they realize what a chance they had taken +until they had gotten well out into the lake. There the gale struck them +with full force. Harriet grew really alarmed. She feared the "Red Rover" +was not strong enough to stand up under it. Margery was seasick and the +others also felt the effects of the gale. + +The "Red Rover" was now pitching more violently than ever. Jane was +gazing at the launch wide-eyed, expecting every moment to see it take a +dive, not to come up again. Everything movable in the "Red Rover's" +cabin was being hurled about. The oil stove long since had tipped over, +glass was being smashed, dishes broken, pieces of each of these were +rattling over the floor. Miss Elting decided that they would be better +off outside. + +Harriet protested against their going on the upper deck, saying that +they might be blown off into the lake. Jane was protecting herself by +clinging to a rope. The awning suddenly ballooned and went up into the +air, taking some of the awning posts with it. Miss Elting had no +further desire to go up on deck after that. With her charges she kept +close to the deck house, where they shielded themselves from the wind as +much as possible. + +"He's turning round," shouted Jane, with hands to lips. + +"Don't let him. He will upset us." + +Jane yelled at the man in the launch, who--not daring to brave the seas +any longer, was slowly turning his launch about. He shook his head, +evidently thinking she was ordering him to continue. Seeing that her +words were of no avail, Crazy Jane leaped down to the forward deck and +casting the tow line from the cleat, flung it out on the water. + +"Hook on the other end and tow us back if you want to. Don't you know +better than to turn us around in all this storm?" she yelled. + +The boatman ran up to the stern where Harriet was doing her best to keep +the boat's head to the wind, but was slowly losing ground. She motioned +to him to keep off and beckoned to him to cast the tow line to her so +she could make it fast at that end. Harriet had forgotten that there was +no rudder at the other end. But the boatman persisted in getting up +close to the houseboat. All at once what Harriet had feared did happen. +The launch was picked up on a heavy swell and hurled against the +houseboat. There followed the sound of crunching woodwork. The launch +began to fill with water. + +"Jump!" shouted Captain Harriet. "You're sinking." + +The boatman clung to his craft a moment longer, then leaped into the +lake. He was not a good swimmer, but fortunately the waves were rolling +toward the houseboat, carrying him in that direction. Harriet had +dropped the tiller and was watching him narrowly. There was no rope +ready, the one that usually lay at hand having been lost with the +launch, which slowly settled in the water, then disappeared. + +The girl saw that the man was likely to be hurled against the side of +the houseboat. She snatched up a boathook and when he came within reach +thrust it out to him. + +"Hold steady until that wave passes, then I'll pull you in," she called. +The blow from the waves took nearly all the breath out of the man, but +as soon as it had passed, Harriet hauled him quickly aboard. + +Miss Elting reported that the "Red Rover" was leaking, that the launch +had crushed in a plank on the side. + +"Stuff clothing in the hole," ordered Jane. "Here you, Mr. Man, please +go in there and see if you can't nail up the broken place. You've got +to do something or you'll never set foot on land again." + +Off in the camp of the Tramp Club there was great excitement. The boys +had discovered the craft laboring in the heavy sea, and as it drew +nearer to their side of the lake, they discovered that it was none other +than the "Red Rover." + +"They're in trouble, boys. Billy, will your boat stand it?" asked +George. + +"As long as we can keep the water out of her." + +"Then let's get aboard. No, you fellows stay here. There's a load of +them out there to fetch back if we ever get close enough to take them +off." + +The motors were working, but no sooner had the two boys gotten clear of +the little pier at their camp than the engines suddenly stopped and the +boat drifted back. + +"There's a short circuit somewhere," called Billy. "Hold her. I'll find +it and we'll be going very shortly." + +"Hurry, Billy! They're in an awful mess over there," urged George. + +It seemed as though the "Red Rover" must be torn to pieces. The boat was +now drifting broadside to the waves. Every large wave would break +against the side, then leap clear over the boat. Every wave seemed +powerful enough to crush in the sides. But they came out dripping, +glistening red after each onslaught. The boatman had succeeded in +patching the rent caused by the collision, but the upper deck was +leaking in many places. The "Red Rover" had been strained almost to the +breaking-up point. It was now fairly wallowing in the foaming sea +dashing against its weather side. Harriet had given up trying to do +anything with the rudder. She could not keep the bow of the boat around +to the seas. It persisted in lying broadside on, where it took the full +force of the waves. + +"There comes a boat," cried Jane, who had been on the upper deck, waving +a sheet as a signal that they were in distress. All hands peered toward +the mainland. They saw a launch making slow progress toward them. The +little boat seemed to be standing with her bow in the air most of the +time. First it would rear then plunge. As it neared them they saw that +it was Billy Gordon's boat, bearing himself and George Baker. + +"Cast a line! I don't dare get near," shouted Billy when close enough to +make his voice heard. + +"We haven't any. Cast your own," answered Harriet. + +George did the casting. He failed three times but on the fourth cast +Harriet caught the line and quickly made it fast to a cleat at the +forward end being nearly swept overboard in the effort. The "Red Rover" +straightened out on her course. For a moment the launch seemed to be +losing ground rather than gaining, then slowly it began to pick up and +shortly after that was making slow progress toward shore. + +There were many spectators to that battle, none of whom believed that +either launch or houseboat, ever would reach the land. Other boats +refused to venture out in such a gale. Even the big boats remained tied +up. So much water was taken aboard by the launch that George was fully +occupied in bailing. A piece of oilcloth had been thrown over the +engines and battery coils to keep these from getting soaked and thus +causing a stoppage of the engine. + +For two hours did launch and houseboat labor through the seas, fighting +every inch of the way. Harriet's arms ached from handling the tiller. +She was wet to the skin but clung steadily to her work. The boatman was +kept inside to watch for and stop leaks, of which there were many before +the voyage came to an end. At last the "Red Rover" slipped into +comparatively calm water, amid a chorus of yells from the boys on shore. +George got up and waved his cap to the girls. They answered the salute +with three cheers, then Billy pulled the scow up to her former +anchorage, and in a few moments she lay rolling easily in a moderate +swell, safe, though considerably strained from her wild voyage across a +lake that many larger and more seaworthy boats would have hesitated to +brave. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +CONCLUSION + + +It was late in the evening when some sort of order had been restored in +the cabin of the "Red Rover." The boys had turned to and worked like +Trojans, helping to get the water out of the boat, to mend broken places +and throw the broken dishes overboard. + +When all was done Miss Elting served a luncheon to them, mostly canned +stuff, all the other food having been ruined in the voyage across the +lake. It was during the luncheon that she made a confession for herself +and companions. She told the Tramp Club how they had dressed up in white +sheets and chased the boys from the island; how they had hidden in the +cave with their boat; how Jane had discovered the half-breed and +narrowly missed a double discovery herself. + +"And now," concluded Miss Elting, "that is the way we played our tricks. +Perhaps we won the contest but after your bravery to-day we feel that +far greater honors are due to you boys." + +The boys, whose faces had flushed during the recital, now broke into a +hearty laugh. + +"That's the best joke ever played on a bunch of fellows," cried Billy. +"And you've won the wager fairly enough. You don't need to apologize for +the ghosts. The trouble is we tried to play worse jokes on you, but you +turned them on us every time. If we got you out of the lake it was by +good luck, not because we were so awfully brave. I'll never brag about +bravery after last night. And now good night. You folks are tired and +want to go to bed. We'll see that you aren't disturbed this evening. You +don't think of working your disappearing act to-night, do you?" + +"No. We have had sufficient excitement for one day," answered Miss +Elting laughingly. "We are going to invite you over to dinner soon, then +we will have a happy good-bye party before we leave. By the way, boys, +we are going ashore in the morning on a shopping trip. As all of us wish +to go I am going to ask you if you will keep an eye on the 'Red Rover.' +There is very little possibility that our enemy will visit it in broad +daylight, still it is best to take proper precautions against further +attacks." + +"We'll be very glad to look out for the 'Red Rover' while you're away," +responded George heartily. "That is if you can assure us that you won't +try any new vanishing tricks." + +"We give you our solemn promise," laughed Harriet. "The 'Red Rover' has +played her last trick." + +Harriet's laughing assurance, however, was destined to prove truer than +she had dreamed. The next morning the girls rose early, and after a +hasty breakfast went ashore to do their shopping, secure in the thought +that the Tramp Club would keep an eye on the "Red Rover." + +In the meantime the boys had posted a watch on the shore, in the person +of Billy Gordon, who seated comfortably on the ground, his back against +a big tree, glanced frequently out over the lake to where the "Red +Rover" lay at anchor, her red sides glistening in the sun. + +It was well towards noon when Billy rose from the ground and strolled +lazily down to the beach. Suddenly his good-natured face took on a +startled look as he stared anxiously toward the houseboat. A moment +later he was running toward the tent at full speed. + +"Fellows, come out here!" he shouted. "Hurry up!" + +"What's the matter?" asked George Baker, hurrying out of the tent, the +other members of the Tramp Club at his heels. + +"Look!" gasped Billy, pointing toward the "Red Rover." "What do you make +of that?" + +"Why--why--" stammered George Baker. Then he uttered a sudden cry of +alarm. "By George, she's on fire. That scamp has sneaked in and set fire +to the boat under our very noses. I'm positive that he did it. Pile into +the launch with all the pails you can find and let's get out there. That +villain must have swum over, climbed aboard, and set fire to the side of +the boat away from the shore. That's why we didn't notice the smoke when +she first began to burn." + +By the time they were on their way toward the doomed houseboat the fire +had made tremendous headway. Being an old boat, the "Red Rover" burned +like kindling. It seemed to be fairly wrapped in flames. + +"It's no use," groaned George. "She'll be gone inside of the next five +minutes. We can't save the boat or anything on board. I'm thankful the +girls were all on shore. That villain must have watched them go, and +then swam out here. If he'd paddled out in his canoe this morning we'd +have seen him. Don't go too near her, fellows. She's likely to collapse +any minute." + +"Look out! She's going!" exclaimed Larry Goheen. A moment later the +whole top of the unwieldy boat fell in, while the flames attacked the +hull with renewed fury. + + * * * * * + +When the Meadow-Brook Girls returned to the shore of the lake, that +afternoon, well laden with the fruits of their shopping, they were met +by the members of the Tramp Club, who looked unduly solemn. One glance +at their grave faces and Harriet cried out apprehensively, "What on +earth has happened to you, boys?" + +"We're all right," stammered George, "but the 'Red Rover'--well, it +is--" + +The Meadow-Brook Girls all looked involuntarily in the direction of +where the "Red Rover" had lain that morning. + +"Why--why--where is our boat?" faltered Miss Elting. + +Then George poured forth the story of the morning's disaster, while the +girls listened in consternation to the recital of the way in which the +houseboat had been set fire to and sunk. + +"Of course that half-breed did it," concluded George, "and now that +we've told you all about it, we are going to start out after him. I'll +wager he's somewhere around this lake yet." + +"I shall go back to the village at once and put the matter in the hands +of the constable," declared Miss Elting. "I shall also see Dee +Dickinson. I hold him indirectly responsible for all the disagreeable +things that have happened to us, and for this, too." + +"Wait until to-night before you do anything about it," begged George. +"Give the Tramp Club a chance to distinguish themselves. If we don't get +our man by six o'clock to-night, then put the matter in the hands of the +authorities. In the meantime, won't you accept our hospitality for the +day? We offer you the use of our camp while we go out on a man hunt." + +After some further conversation Miss Elting reluctantly agreed to the +boys' plan, and after considerable mourning over the lost "Red Rover," +the girls settled themselves in the camp of the tramps to await the +return of the boys. + +"It looks as though we would have to go back to Meadow-Brook a little +sooner than we expected, girls," declared Miss Elting. + +"I'd rather go home than thtay around where there are crathy Indianth," +retorted Tommy. "Thuppothe we had been on that boat when it thank." + +"We wouldn't have been so foolish as to stay on it if it had been +sinking," laughed Harriet. "Besides all of us can swim. Our enemy took +good care to set fire to the boat when we weren't on it." + +"I wonder what his object is in persecuting us so," mused Hazel. "None +of us have ever harmed him." + +"Ask Dee Dickinson," advised Jane dryly. + +"We certainly shall do so, this very night," returned Miss Elting, with +compressed lips. + +Meanwhile the Tramp Club had pursued what bade fair to be a fruitless +quest. Search as they might they could find no trace of their quarry. +Late in the afternoon the launch reached the entrance to the hidden +creek where the "Red Rover" had recently lain snug and secure. + +"This is certainly an ideal hiding place," declared George, as he +scanned the bank on both sides. "I don't wonder--" + +He was interrupted by an excited shout from Larry, who had also been +keeping a sharp lookout. "There he goes!" he yelled. + +A long dark green canoe had shot out from under an overhanging ledge of +rock. The sole occupant was paddling with swift, noiseless strokes +toward the mouth of the creek, intent on reaching the lake and making +his escape. + +"It's the half-breed!" yelled Larry excitedly. + +"He's been hiding up here waiting for night to come. He thought that we +didn't know about this place. Now that we've hunted him down, he's +trying to make a quick get-away. Once out of the creek he can give us +the slip. Fellows, we've got to get him!" + +Billy, who was at the wheel, began backing the launch toward the mouth +of the creek. Not for an instant did the boys lose sight of their man, +and the moment the boat reached open water it was sent ahead at full +speed. Soon they began to gain on the fugitive, who was paddling with a +speed little short of marvelous. + +"Hold on there!" shouted George. "We've got you anyway. You might as +well surrender!" + +The man in the canoe refused to halt at command, but continued to paddle +desperately, until Billy deliberately ran him down. An instant later +George was holding on to their captive with an iron grip. + +"Shut down. I've got him!" he yelled. Billy obeyed, and the half-breed +was hauled into the launch, kicking and struggling furiously. + +"Get a rope," commanded George. "There's a coil of it in the bow of the +launch." + +Five minutes later the Indian was lying in the bottom of the boat tied +beyond all possibility of escape, and the boys were triumphantly +heading for camp. + +"We've got the Indian!" yelled Larry to the little group on shore as the +launch neared the landing in front of the Tramp Club's camp. + +"We've been watching for you," called Harriet. "We saw you when you were +away up the lake. Have you really got him?" + +"Indeed we have, and tied so that he'd have hard work getting away," +laughed Gordon. + +"What shall we do with him?" asked Larry as they bore the Indian ashore +in triumph. + +"Stand him up against that tree for the present," ordered George, then +grimly wound coil after coil of rope around the half-breed, securing him +with many a hard knot. At last George stood back to survey his work with +admiration. + +"I'd like to see even an Indian get out of that harness," Baker remarked +complacently. + +Harriet and Jane walked over to the tree and looked searchingly at the +captive. Both recognized him as the man they had seen while the "Red +Rover" lay hidden in the creek. + +"Larry and I are going up to the village at once to notify the +authorities," announced George. "We want to get rid of this fellow as +soon as possible." + +"And I am going with you," announced Miss Elting firmly, "to hunt up Mr. +Dee Dickinson. He knows all about this man and the time has arrived for +him to tell me the truth." + + * * * * * + +Dickinson at first refused flatly to give Miss Elting any satisfaction +concerning the Indian. + +"Then I shall have you arrested as a suspicious character, also," +declared Miss Elting sternly. "Unless you give me a full explanation of +this whole affair I shall have you taken in custody by the authorities. +Understand you are to tell me everything." + +Dickinson, however, seeing that Miss Elting would admit of no trifling, +decided that it would be better to make a clean breast of the matter. + +"The Indian's name is Charlie Lavaille," he began sullenly, "though he's +commonly called French Charlie. He makes a sort of living at fishing, +and he hired the houseboat from me." + +"Then you rented the boat to some one else, and afterwards turned it +over to us without letting us know?" asked Miss Elting. + +"He rented the houseboat after a fashion," Dickinson explained lamely, +"though he didn't pay any rent down, and hasn't paid a penny since. He +was going to pay me, he said, at the end of the season. Now, of course, +when you came up here with a message from your brother, and claimed the +boat, I had to let you have it. If Charlie had paid any money, I would +have refunded it to him; but as he hadn't paid a cent there was nothing +to do but to turn the boat over to you." + +"And you left us in ignorance of all this, when the knowledge of it +might have saved us much trouble, let alone the danger we ran and the +final loss of the boat?" Miss Elting asked accusingly. + +"Well, you see, it was hard to explain," replied Dee Dickinson +reluctantly. "At any rate, at the time I thought it would be hard to +explain, so I let it go without telling you. I tried to make it all +clear to Charlie that, having paid no money, he had no claim on the +boat, but you can't explain a thing like that to an Indian. So Charlie +wouldn't listen to anything I could say. The half-breed isn't right in +his head, anyway, I'm inclined to think." + +"So, without warning, you left us at the mercy of a possibly insane +Indian?" Miss Elting persisted. "Mr. Dickinson, you have acted in a very +cowardly fashion toward women who had been sent here believing that they +were to be in a measure under your protection. You should be compelled +to suffer for it. I shall write to my brother at once and tell him just +what sort of man you are." + +Dickinson cringed at Miss Elting's severe words and fairly slunk from +the guardian's presence at the close of the interview. + +The village constable and one of his men returned to the camp with Miss +Elting and the boys to take charge of the Indian. He was locked up for a +few days by the authorities at Wantagh, then subjected to a rigid +examination by a medical board, and being pronounced insane, was sent +away to one of the state institutions for the demented. + +The Meadow-Brook Girls and Miss Elting said good-bye to the Tramp Club +that evening and spent the night at the village hotel. + +"We've had a fine time at any rate," said Jane McCarthy as they +discussed all over again the exciting happenings of the day before, at +breakfast the next morning. "Where are we going next? Vacation isn't +half over yet." + +"Why we're going home, aren't we?" asked Harriet, turning to Miss +Elting. + +"Not so you could notice it!" exclaimed Jane slangily. "That is not if +Miss Elting will listen to my plan. Promise me you'll do as I ask, Miss +Elting." + +"I never make rash promises," laughed Miss Elting. "Tell us what you +wish to do and then we'll see about it." + +"I want to take you all for a week's drive in my car. You've been +through so much here at the lake that my peculiar style of driving will +hold no terrors for you. What do you say? Will you go?" + +"If I thought you could be depended upon, for once, to drive safely--" +began Miss Elting somewhat dubiously. "What is your pleasure, girls?" + +"We want to go with Jane," was the chorus. + +"Hurrah!" cried Jane. "It's settled. I'll promise to bring you back home +all safe and sound." + +The day was spent in shopping at the village store, as their belongings +had all been aboard the ill-fated "Red Rover." The Meadow-Brook Girls +decided to get along as best they could with their limited supply of +clothing, and depended on buying their meals at the various hotels and +farmhouses along the way. After a happy week on the road, during which +time Jane McCarthy proved herself to be a safe and careful driver, they +turned their faces toward their own town. + +Once home, Miss Elting lost no time in sending in a report, to the Chief +Guardian of the Camp Girls' Association, of the "honors" won by the +Meadow-Brook Girls. In due time the girls received their honor beads, +which added considerably to the length of the strings of beads they had +already won for achievement and bravery. + +The Meadow-Brook Girls were destined, however, to win many more of the +coveted beads, and shortly after their return home, Jane McCarthy held a +lengthy consultation with her father; then invited them and Miss Elting +to be her guests on a trip to the White Mountains. What befell them +during their outing in the New Hampshire hills will be fully set forth +in the next volume of this series entitled, "THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS IN +THE HILLS; Or, The Missing Pilot of the White Mountains." + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MEADOW-BROOK GIRLS AFLOAT*** + + +******* This file should be named 13577.txt or 13577.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/3/5/7/13577 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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