“This is quite an honor, ladies,” said the old West Pointer politely. “It’s the first time we have had so many of the opposite sex in any of our camps.”
“It is very lovely of you, Captain Dale, to permit us to come,” said Ruth. “I am sure we all thank you very much for all the courtesies you have shown us.”
“Indeed we do!” came from the others.
“I’m afraid this meal will put a little damper on our picnic,” remarked Fred. “We should have eaten our lunch out in the woods.”
“Don’t you worry about that,” retorted Andy. “We’ll be ready for another meal after we’ve tramped about over the rocks and among the trees for several hours.”
The food to be taken along had been placed in three old knapsacks with which the camp was provided, and these the twins and Spouter placed on their back when they set off for the woods. All were in high spirits, and Andy and Randy whistled gaily as they trudged along.
“Let us go up on top of one of the cliffs,” suggested Jack, after they had been tramping for the best part of an hour. “We ought to be able to get a splendid view of the bay from there.”
The others were willing, and about the middle of the afternoon they reached a high, rocky point, overlooking Barlight Bay and the rolling Atlantic. It was a clear, sunshiny day, and consequently they could see for miles in several directions.
“I see a big steamer coming up the coast!” cried Gif presently. “See the trail of smoke she is leaving behind her?”
“I wonder if those big coastwise steamers are in any danger of the German submarines?” remarked Martha.