he girls draw close together for companionship. "I hope it
will be more cheerful in the daytime--the island, I mean, not the fire,"
she added.

"Girls," cried Betty, "this looks like a regular adventure island. Maybe
we'll find the gypsies here."

"Oh, don't," shivered Amy. "Don't talk about gypsies--until daylight, at
least."

"Here comes the rain!" Roy shouted. "We'll have to hurry some, if we
want to beat it to the house. Here, Will, take hold of this bag. Quick,
I can't carry more than three at a time."

"Give it to Allen," Will advised, as they tumbled out on the tiny
wharf. "I have more than my share already."

"Oh, all right," said Allen, "I'll be the goat. How about it,
Betty--shall we give them another race? It looks as if a little speed
would come in handy."

"No, let Mollie lead this time. I hope she knows the way."

"Of course I do," said Mollie, coming up behind them. "There isn't any
way to find. The house is at the end of the wharf. Follow us and----"

"You'll get something to eat," Roy finished for her. "We have the
basket."

"Then you needn't worry about our following you," said Allen. "Only if
you don't look out we will get there before you after all. Come on,
Betty," and for the second time that day the young folks had a chance to
test their skill in running. The main thing was that they got there
before the rain.

CHAPTER X

BRIGHT AND EARLY

The morning dawned clear and bright. Mollie woke first in the large,
sunshiny room which the girls had chosen to occupy together during their
stay on Pine Island.

It contained two large double beds--each in a little alcove of its own.
The spotless grass mats, the flowers that bloomed on the wide-silled,
latticed windows gave the room an air of cheerful hominess and comfort
that was very pleasant.

All this Mollie took in subconsciously as her sleepy gaze wandered about
the room. Then slowly full wakefulness banished the last vestige of
sleep from her eyes and she sat up in bed.

"The sun!" she cried joyfully. "And I was sure it was going to be rainy
this morning! Oh, now we shall see the island as it really is. Wake up,
Amy, do! Oh, goodness, how the child sleeps!" and she shook her
slumbering friend with no uncertain hand.

"There is no use, Mollie," said Betty's voice from the other end of the
room. "You couldn't wake Amy or Grace without a good shaking."

"What's that?" cried Mollie, startled, as a loud knock sounded on the
do