o go a short distance out. We shall not start for
the hotel until four o'clock."

"A good suggestion. Thank you, Mother," cried Tom. "Come on, Miss
Morton."

Madge and Tom went gayly down to the boat. Tom's big setter dog,
Brownie, dashed after them, pleading so hard to be taken aboard that
Tom at last consented to have him, though he gravely assured the animal
that three was a crowd, to which statement Brownie merely gave a joyful
yelp and darted on board without further ceremony.

[Illustration: Madge and Tom went gayly down to the boat.]

It was a glorious day with a stiff breeze blowing. The water was
fairly choppy, but the boat sped along, occasionally dashing the spray
into the two young faces. Madge wore a white cloth cap, with a visor,
such as ship's officers wear, and looked as nautical as she felt. Both
Tom and Madge were possessed with an unusual fondness for the water,
and their common love of the sea was a strong bond between them.

"Have you ever heard of any one who could have locked you up in the old
hut that night?" Tom asked as they sailed along.

Madge shook her head. "No; I have not the faintest idea. To tell you
the honest truth, I had almost forgotten that unpleasant experience.
We have been having such a beautiful time since that we haven't had
time to think of disagreeable things."

"Do you think it is safe for five women to be aboard that houseboat by
themselves?" asked Tom anxiously. "If your boat were farther out on
the water you would be safer."

Madge laughed merrily. "Look here, Mr. Curtis, I don't think it is
fair for you to question our safety when there are five of us, Wouldn't
Phil be angry if she heard you say that! It makes her furious to hear
a man or boy even intimate that girls can't take care of themselves.
Why, we can swim and run and jump, and we could put up a really brave
fight if it were necessary. Besides, Nell and I know how to shoot.
Uncle taught us when we were very little girls. I have been duck
shooting with him along this very bay. Look at that rowboat back
there. I have been watching it for some time. It has been trying to
follow us."

Tom turned about. The boat was only a skiff, and, though it was nearly
in their course, there was no chance of its coming any closer, as their
boat was sailing before the wind.

"I believe it is the same skiff I saw this morning," commented Tom. "I
suppose it is some fellow who has been fishing out here.