"You won't have to worry about Jennie," answered Alice Strobell, over the telephone. "She has a date with somebody else."
The Rover boys had already arranged about the boats, and promptly on time they set off down the river in the direction of the lake. They had to row past the several docks of the town, and then drew up at a small wharf, leading up to the Clearwater Hall grounds.
When the girls appeared, they were accompanied by one of the teachers, who had been sent down, evidently, for the purpose of looking the cadets over.
"Now remember, do not stay out any later than six o'clock," said the teacher, as the girls were entering the two rowboats, assisted by the boys.
"Oh, we'll have to come back a little before that time," answered Jack. "You see, we are due at Colby Hall at that hour."
"Very well then," said the teacher. "I trust you all have a pleasant time," and she smiled.
"Oh, we'll have a good time—don't worry," sang out Andy, gaily.
"To be sure we will," echoed May Powell.
And then, with the girls safely seated in the two rowboats, the boys took up the oars, and the little outing on Clearwater Lake was begun.