“That’s putting a bit of a strain on me,” laughed Chet. “But I know you must have a good reason, Sis. Only remember, when you want help, you haven’t any friend like your own ‘buddy.’”
“I know it, dear,” said Laura, kissing him. “You are the best brother who ever lived!”
This was all “on the side.” When they rejoined the others, neither Chet nor Laura revealed any particular emotion. The girls all promised to be ready for the fishing trip an hour after daybreak on the following morning.
Meanwhile, everything at Acorn Island went on as usual. Liz Bean seemed no more morose than before. Mrs. Morse was much too busy to notice small things. She had half-heartedly offered 166 to accompany the girls and boys to Bang-up Creek for the fishing; but they had all assured her that it would be unnecessary.
Instead, they were to come home by mid-afternoon and all have supper at the island. The boys brought over a part of their own provisions, when they arrived in the bigger motorboat soon after sun-up.
Purt Sweet was the only boy who did not have a smile on; he looked gloomy indeed.
“What’s the matter?” asked Jess.
“Surely he isn’t afraid of the Barnacle, is he?” queried Dora.
“Don’t bother about him,” said Dorothy. “He’s tied up, anyway, so as not to follow us.”
“How do you think that dog can follow us, when we’re going ten miles by boat?” demanded Reddy Butts.