s they could when Grandpa Martin got the tents out of the barn, and
they wanted to take so many of their toys and playthings along that
there would have been no room in the boat for anything else if they had
had their way.

But Mother Martin thinned out their collection of treasures, allowing
them to take only what she thought would give them the most pleasure.
Boxes of food were packed, and a little stove made ready to take along,
for although a campfire looks nice it is hard to cook over.

Trouble got into all sorts of mischief, from almost falling out of the
haymow once, to losing the bucket down the well by letting the chain
unwind too fast. But a hired man caught him as he toppled off the hay in
the barn, and Grandpa Martin got the bucket up from the well by tying
the rake to a long pole and fishing deep down in the water.

At last the day came when the Curlytops were to go camping on Star
Island. The boat was loaded with the tents and other things, and two or
three trips were to be made half-way across the lake, for the island
was about in the middle. Nicknack and his wagon were to be taken over
and a small stable made for him under a tree not far from the big tent.

"All aboard!" cried Ted, as he and Jan took their places in the first
boat. "All aboard!"

"Isn't this fun!" laughed Janet, who was taking care of Trouble.

"Dis fun," echoed the little chap.

"I'm sure we'll have a nice time," said Mother Martin. "And your father
will like it when he, too, can camp out with us."

"I hope the tramps don't bother you," said Mr. Crittendon, who had come
to help Grandpa Martin get his camping party ready.

"Oh, we're not afraid of them!" cried Ted.

"Well, be careful; that's all I've got to say," went on the farmer.
"I'll let you have my gun, if you think you'll need it," he said to
Grandpa Martin.

"Nonsense! I won't need it, thank you. I'm not afraid of a few tramps.
Besides I sent one of my men over to the island yesterday, and he
couldn't find a sign of a vagrant. If any tramps were there they've
gone."

"Wa-all, maybe," said the farmer, with a shake of his head. "Good luck
to you, anyhow!"

"Thanks!" laughed Grandpa Martin.

"All aboard!" called Ted once more.

Then Sam, the hired man, and Grandpa Martin began to row the boat.

The Curlytops were off for Star Island, to camp out with grandpa.

CHAPTER IV

OVERBOARD

"Trouble! sit still!" ordered Janet.

"Yes, Trouble, you sit still!