“Not all of us bright, but presumably early,” put in Bobby, sotto voce.
“Anyway, it’s time we were in bed,” finished Mother Wit. “Off with you all!”
Whether Laura’s advice had a good effect, or not, nobody was really late at the rendezvous the next morning. Prettyman Sweet’s motorboat Duchess, a very nice craft, and the larger powerboat belonging to Chet Belding and Lance Darby, named Bonnie Lass, were manned by the boys before the girls appeared.
These two boats were large enough to transport both parties of campers, and would likewise tow the flotilla of canoes. The Duchess tailed behind it three double canoes belonging to 49 the girls and the Bonnie Lass towed five belonging to their boy friends.
It was a fine day and the lake was as blue as the sky—and almost as smooth to look upon. A party of parents and friends came to see the campers start. The girls and Mrs. Morse went aboard the Bonnie Lass. Lizzie Bean, with a bulging old-fashioned carpet-bag, appeared in season and joined the girls.
In the bustle of departure not many noticed the odd looking maid. The girls and boys were too busy shouting goodbyes to those ashore, and the crowd ashore was too busy shouting good wishes, or last instructions, to the campers.
Mrs. Pendleton had been driven down to the wharf, early as the hour was, to see her daughter off.
“And be sure to wear your rubbers if it rains, Lily!” the lady shrieked after the departing Bonnie Lass.
“Gee!” whispered Bobby, to Jess. “I s’pose somebody’ll have to hold an umbrella over her, too, if it starts to shower.”