“All right—if you don’t stay too long. Please be here on the dot of six,” she warned them, “not a minute later. We’re going to have corn-fritters and maple syrup for supper!”
“Hurrah! That’s worth working for!” cried Marjorie, as she lifted her shelter-half from the ground.
A few minutes later, all of the girls except Frieda and the captain had disappeared, clad in their bathing suits, through the trees that hid the water from the encampment. They skipped along as fast as they could, watching out to avoid the sharp rocks which might hurt their tender feet. One after another they reached the shore, and, plunging into the water, struck out for the deepest part.
“I’ll race you across the stream, Marj!” challenged Ruth, anxious for adventure.
“Come on!” cried Marjorie.
“No, no, girls!” commanded Frances Wright, who, because of her commission as lieutenant, had been placed in charge. “There may be some springs of cold water out there farther that would give you cramps. Besides, there is so little time now. Wait till tomorrow.”
Disappointed at these words, the girls swam slowly about, keeping close to the shore. It was getting cooler now, and they did not want to stay in long. Marjorie stayed with Alice, helping her with her strokes for a short time; then they both decided to go back to camp.
“I believe I’ll go too,” said Ethel; and Lily and Doris joined the party.
“I’d like to go back, but I feel responsible,” observed Frances; “Ruth, will you and Florence promise to do nothing rash if I leave you?”
“Cross my heart!” responded Ruth.