Bobby Tucker was positive he and Tim would be allowed to go with the party, because his father had told them they might enjoy themselves in their own way until the summer term of school began, and the majority of those present were equally certain they could go. Those who had any doubts on the matter started off at once to gain the desired permission, and in a short time it was decided that just an even dozen—eleven boys and Tip—would make up the party. Then the serious work began.
It was necessary to decide where they should go, how they were to get there, and how a supply of provisions could be obtained.
Bobby Tucker was sure he could get a bushel of potatoes as his share, and a large piece of pork as Tim’s. Bill Thompson owned three of the hens in his father’s flock, one of which he agreed to carry, in order that at least one “big” dinner might be served, and he also agreed to get three dozen of eggs. Jimmy Newcomb, whose father kept a store, was certain he could get a large supply of crackers and a small supply of candy. Another of the party promised butter, pepper, and salt; another agreed, in the name of his mother, to have some gingerbread and pies; and so the list of provisions was made up, thus settling the last question first.
Where the camp should be pitched was a more difficult matter to decide. Some were in favor of going in the same direction as that taken on the bear-hunt; but this was voted down at once by Bill Thompson, who, because he was the party furnishing the tent, had great weight in the discussion.
“We want to go ’way off where we can’t get back for a good while,” he said, decidedly. “An’, besides, we must go where nobody lives, so’s we can find more bears for Tip.”
Then another of the party suggested getting a horse and cart, and going as far into the interior of the island as possible; but this Bill objected to, on the ground that they would then be obliged to follow some road, which would still keep them within the range of civilization.
“Can’t we get a boat, an’ go way round to the other side of the island, where nobody lives?” asked Tim.
“That’s the very thing,” said Bill, decisively—“that’s the very thing, an’ Jimmy Newcomb can get the one his father keeps at Dunham’s wharf.”
All three of the questions having thus been settled, the boys went over to Bill Thompson’s to view the tent which was to afford them their highest idea of enjoyment. It was found to be quite large enough to shelter the entire party, being fully twelve feet square, and complete in everything save pegs and stakes, which could easily be made before starting, or after they should arrive on the spot where it was to be pitched.
It was some time before the boys had gazed sufficiently upon this canvas house, so wonderfully come into their possession, and they would probably have spent more time in admiration of it, had there not been some little doubt as to whether Jimmy Newcomb’s father had the same idea regarding the loan of his boat as his son.