we could not do anything in public as a troop without
permission. And while this is almost a private gathering, we feel it
best to adhere to the rules."

"Still it was flattering to be asked," commented Cleo.

"Let's go out on the porch," suggested Mary. "We will have a beautiful
view of the ocean to-night."

But it so happened that something else than the scenic effect
entertained them, on the spacious side porch of the Colonade that
evening.

CHAPTER XI

AT THE COLONADE

THEY felt quite like grown-ups out there in the moonlight, on the
carpeted piazzas, with the music from the ballroom wafting out through
the many open windows.

Here and there in sheltered nooks, knots of young folks buzzed their
confidences, while the scouts chose two long, low divans, directly off
the exchange, where they might at once enjoy the music of the waves and
the rhythm of the orchestra.

It all seemed too pleasant to mar with ordinary conversation, so holding
hands as girls will, the companions sank down to enjoy the wonderful
summer night.

They were not more than settled when two young men sauntered out of the
smoking room and took the seat just back of their divan. The girls
nudged each other, and squeezed hands, but did not emit the usual
warning cough.

"Well, I am glad to hear from Dick," spoke one of the men; "I tell you,
he did great work in our little old war."

"You-bet-y'u," replied the second voice, slurring his words together as
young men do, and giving them that jolly twang peculiar to the college
boy.

"Yes, sir, Dick Gordon is some boy, and I'll be mighty glad to see him."

Grace almost pinched Cleo's arm to the yelling point. "That's my
Jackie--the one who owns my marine room," she said in a low voice.

"Keep your window locked," cautioned Cleo.

"And he's still on the blue?" went on the masculine voice.

"Still is--you-bet-cha," replied his companion. "Regular Willie off the
yacht, only he's bound to be Richard on the yacht. Seems some
millionaire family he knew--there may be a girl in it--prevailed on him
to take a yacht out this summer, so he's sailing her--the yacht I mean;
I'm only guessing at the girl."

Isabel coughed audibly. It was just like her to do so and she either had
to cough or laugh, and she hastily decided on expressing herself in the
least conspicuous outburst.

For a few minutes the young men ceased speaking, and in the interval the
girls undertook to carry on something