"Well, I'm afraid your dog is lost," said Mr. Bobbsey, when at the
breakfast table Bert reported that Snap was still away. "We'll put an
advertisement in the paper and offer a reward if he is brought back."

"Maybe he's gone to camp on Blueberry Island and is waiting over there
for us," said Flossie.

"Maybe, my little fat fairy!" agreed her father, catching her up for a
good-bye kiss. "Let's hope so. And now you must soon begin to get ready
to go camping."

The children heard this news with delight, and, for a time, even lost
Snap was forgotten. He had often visited the neighbors before, and had
always come back, so Bert hoped the same thing would happen this time.

There was much to do to get ready to go to Blueberry Island. There were
clothes to pack and food to be bought, for though it was not many miles
from the island back to the mainland where there were stores, still
Mrs. Bobbsey did not want to have to send in too often for what was
needed.

The goat wagon was very useful for going on errands during the days that
it took them to get ready to go off to live in the woods. Bert and Nan,
sometimes with Flossie and Freddie, rode here and there about town, and
Whisker was as good as a pony, being strong and gentle.

Everywhere they went Nan and her brother looked for Snap and asked
about him. But, though many in Lakeport knew the dog, and had seen
him on the day he was last noticed, no one could tell where he was.
No one could be found who had seen him with the gypsy woman--if he had
gone with her--though a number said they had noticed the gaudy,
red-and-yellow-dressed peddler strolling about with her lace.

"Our dog's gone and Helen's doll is gone," said Nan the night before
they were to go to camp. "I wonder what will be taken next."

"I hope they don't get our Snoop," said Flossie, as she went to look at
the big black cat who was sleeping in the box, with a handle, in which
he was to be taken to the island.

"And I hope they let Whisker alone," said Freddie.

"Whisker can take care of himself, with his horns," observed Bert. "I'm
not afraid of a gypsy trying to get our goat."

The tents had been sent to the island, and a man would set them up.
Plenty of good things to eat were packed in boxes and baskets. Dinah and
Sam had made ready to go to camp, for they were included in the family.
Dinah was to do the cooking and her husband was to look after the boats
and firewood.

"And, oh, what fun we'll