It did suit all the young folks, and they immediately planned a fine automobile tour for the afternoon, hiring two autos large enough to accommodate all of the girls and boys. The morning was spent in and around the yacht, where Tom and some of the others amused themselves by shooting off their pistols and some firecrackers. Tom had purchased some things for the Fourth the day previous and he had one package which he was careful to keep out of sight.
"I am going to have a barrel of fun with the girls," he said to his brothers. "But don't tell anybody about it."
"What is it?" asked his younger brother.
"Wait and see."
It had been arranged that the whole party should have an early lunch, so that they might start on the automobile ride by one o'clock. Aleck was in charge of the dining room of the yacht and he had spread himself in trimming it with red, white and blue streamers and small flags.
"Oh, how lovely!" cried Dora, as she came in and sat down. "I declare, Aleck, you deserve a great deal of credit." And she gave the colored man a smile which pleased him immensely.
"Where is Tom?" asked Mr. Rover, after all the others were seated.
"I ton't know," answered Hans. "Tidn't he know ve vos to eat a leetle early to tay?"
"He's coming," answered Sam.
Just then Tom came into the dining room holding something in his hand covered with a long paper bag. From under the bag smoke was curling.