rpenter. He was sent out to the boat to
do the work while they were finishing their shopping.

Among the purchases was an oil stove--Jane had sold the old one--a large
quantity of canned goods, potatoes and other vegetables, all of which
they planned to stow in the front of the houseboat under oilcloth. Here
also was stowed a huge sea chest that had belonged to Jane's
great-grandfather. It was supposed to be water-tight and in this the
Meadow-Brook Girls decided to place all their extra clothing. A rag
carpet was found that answered very well to cut up into rugs to lay on
the floor. The carpenter made a ladder by which to climb to the upper
deck. Then there was rope and an anchor, the latter a piece of an old
mowing machine; a rowboat, which Jane rented, and heavy green shades at
the windows so that they should have greater seclusion; also a cask to
hold drinking water.

When the girls finished their work that night Crazy Jane McCarthy had
spent quite a sum of money, but the equipment for the "Red Rover" was as
nearly complete as they were able to make it. Just before sunset they
went out to watch Miss Elting paint the name on the side of the boat. In
large, neat letters she painted the name in white. The letters stood out
in bold relief against the brilliant red of the boat.

"I propose three cheers for the artist," cried Harriet.

"Wait a minute," called Tommy.

"Well, what is it?" demanded Margery.

"The job ith not finithhed yet. Mith Elting hathn't painted the name on
the other thide."

"That is true, but to do so I should have to stand in the water,"
laughed the guardian.

"If you must paint the other side, of course we can turn the boat
around," said Harriet. "I think a name on one side will answer our
purpose for the present. Later on we can finish the job, if we think
best."

"Yes," agreed Jane. "We've done enough for the present. Don't forget
that we've got to settle the house in the morning. I want you all to
think hard to-night, to see if we have forgotten anything."

"The only thing we have forgotten is our dinner. We haven't had a bite
to eat since morning," Margery Brown reminded her friends.

"Margery can't think of anything but thomething to eat," laughed Tommy.
"You mutht learn to eat atmothphere when you're hungry. That ith the way
I do."

"I fear you will never grow fat on that sort of diet," laughed the
guardian.

"I don't want to get fat, like Buthter," replied Tommy scornfully.