And so they started off.
“I do hope that Reuben doesn’t tag after us, or want to come with us,” said Alice, when they were in the boats.
“Why, did he say he would?” asked Mabel.
“No, but he was rather hinting when we questioned him about Bear Pond. I wouldn’t be surprised but what he got one of his ‘half days off,’ and became our escort.”
“He means all right,” murmured Natalie. “Poor fellow!”
“You may well say that, if you accept any more flowers from him,” warned Alice.
“I don’t see why. They are only wild blossoms, and I’d pick them myself if he didn’t.”
“That’s Nat!” exclaimed Mabel with a laugh.
They rowed leisurely to another cove about which Reuben had told them, and then, once more concealing the oars, they struck off into a path that, they had been assured led directly to Bear Pond, and to that portion most likely to be the camping-place of the Gypsies, since it was near a main-traveled road.
“Be sure we have everything!” exclaimed Alice, as they disembarked. “For it may be a long time before we get back.”