y! I mean going for the cruise."

"Oh, I thought you meant that rig you're wearing. It is most becoming,
but I hope it won't get wet."

"Oh, the water won't hurt it. I got it on that account. I think the
girls' maroon sweaters look dandy--they can be seen for such a
distance."

"Yes, I suppose togs have something to do with a good time, although I
must say Cora doesn't seem to give much time to hers. Look at Marita
in white. She looks like a French doll."

"Oh, she is the cutest thing!" replied Lottie, in her gushing way.
"But Cora is simply stunning! Just see how she stands out in the
crowd."

Lottie and Jack strolled through the moss-padded path that led to the
white sands of Tangle Turn, talking in this vein as they went. It was
indeed a merry crowd, and well worth noticing, as was evinced by the
number of curious spectators already assembled on the dock to which
the _Chelton_ was tied.

"Who's the man?" asked Jack, espying a striking figure in the throng.

"Oh, that's Uncle Denny; don't you know him? He is the dearest----"

"Now, Lottie, I can see his bald head under his cap at this distance
without marine glasses, and it's a rule of the club that 'dears' have
special advantages in the matter of healthy heads of hair. But, of
course, if you wish to call him 'dear'----"

"Jack, you are the greatest tease," she pouted.

Bess, Belle and Cora had already reached the motor boat. Denny was
proudly "looking her over," pipe in mouth and hands in pockets. The
girls were bustling about, all enthusiasm, while the boys, assuming an
air of importance, found many points to investigate.

"Now take seats," called Cora, "we are ready to push off. Lottie,
don't lean overboard."

"Oh, I am watching the cutest little fish. See, Bess," she exclaimed.

Ed was on the dock with the rope loose from the cleat. Cora was at the
steering wheel, while Denny insisted on turning the fly wheel, as that
seemed about the most difficult thing to do. The gasoline was turned
on, Jack attending to that, and as Denny gave the fly wheel a vigorous
turn, Ed pushed off and jumped into the boat. The "push" sent the
_Chelton_ out in the water, but the motor failed to do its duty. Again
Denny tried, but still no response. As this is not unusual with any
motor, whether new or old, all hands waited patiently.

"Oh, there's the _Dixie_!" called Lottie, jumping up and waving to an
approaching boat.

At that instant the _Chelton_ started with a je