launch soon passed on out of
sight.

As a matter of fact, Captain George Baker and his companions were a
little disturbed over not finding the "Red Rover." Sam said he had seen
the boat that afternoon, and unless it had picked up a tow the houseboat
could not be far away. They moved along the shore, peering into each
cove on that side of the lake until twilight fell and it was no longer
light enough to see into the shadows.

"It's my opinion that those girls will win the wager unless we do some
hustling," declared Larry Goheen, when they had once more returned to
their camp on the other side of the lake.

"Harriet Burrell is very clever," answered George. "I wish we had gone
ashore over there near where we last saw the 'Red Rover.' I'll tell you
what we'll do. We'll run over there to-morrow and make inquiries of the
farmers nearby. We ought at least to get some trace of them."

The boat turned homeward after having encircled the island. Harriet, as
soon as the motor boat had passed on out of sight, hurried back to her
companions.

"Girls! It's the boys," she cried. "They are looking for us. I could see
that. They were so close to the island that I could almost have hit them
with a stone."

"Provided you could throw straight," interjected Miss Elting.

"Yes. I wouldn't have to be a very good thrower to reach a boat so close
as that one was."

"Shall we go exploring now?" asked Margery.

"I don't believe it would be prudent. Those boys are sharp. They may be
on the island at this very moment. I don't hear their boat any more,"
replied Harriet.

"We will postpone exploring until to-morrow," announced Miss Elting.
"And now, suppose we get supper? This is a cosy place. I never saw a
more delightful nook. To-morrow morning, if the coast be clear, we will
look about us. How about the farmhouse?"

"I am going over there as soon as it gets a little darker."

Harriet did not go until after supper, which proved to be one of the
most enjoyable meals to which the girls had ever sat down. Their
surroundings were so romantic that the situation appealed strongly to
each of them. The Meadow-Brook Girls were in high good humor. Later in
the evening, Harriet, accompanied by Jane and Hazel, paddled the rowboat
out from the island and rowed almost straight across to the shore of the
mainland. Hiding their boat in some bushes they made their way to a
farmhouse, and there arranged for milk. Harriet had a confidential chat
with