Thus the talk ran on, until Hermit Island was reached. Here they run in for a few minutes, to pass a word with Blumpo’s father, who greeted them cordially. After this, they continued up along the south side of the lake.
As they skirted the beautiful shore they gradually crept up to a large excursion boat. “Hullo, what’s that boat doing here?” cried Jerry.
“It’s a Sunday-school excursion from Cedar Falls,” replied his chum.
The steamboat was not a large one and she seemed to have more than her regular allowance of passengers aboard. Every deck was full of grown folks and children, dressed in their best.
A band was playing a merry air, and some of the children were singing.
“Let’s give them a cheer,” suggested the young oarsman, as they drew closer.
“All right,” replied Harry, pulling out his handkerchief. “One, two, three. Hurrah! hur——”
Harry stopped short, as a cry of horror arose on board of the excursion boat.
A young girl had been standing close to the rail on a camp stool at the bow of the boat.
As the steamboat swung around the girl lost her balance.