CHAPTER XXI
Dave Makes Himself Useful
SHOUTS from the lake now claimed the campers' attention. Captain Berry's obstinate engine had suddenly decided to work and was now making up for lost time by refusing to stop. The captain, as near shore as he dared approach, was spinning round and round in circles. Each time he neared the land he shouted lustily.
"He wants something," interpreted Mr. Black, rising from the table. "Marjory—where is Marjory with her sharp ears?"
"Crying in our tent," replied Mabel, with a vindictive glance toward Aunty Jane. "If she wasn't a good child, she'd climb a tree and stay there until some folks——"
"There, there," squelched Doctor Bennett, "we mustn't criticise our elders. Let's see what that crazy boat is doing."
"She's stopped," said Mr. Black, "and Dave's swimming ashore—after the boats, I guess. Let's help him."
Presently all sorts of boxes, bundles, and baskets were safely landed; all the campers and most of the visitors helping the good work along. Even Marjory, her face swollen and disfigured from much weeping, assisted a little.
"Hullo!" cried Dave, catching sight of the sorrowful countenance. "W'at you ees cry for, li'le gal?"
Tactful Jean, seeing that Marjory was unable to speak, replied for her.