“I told you. They are coming over to serenade us. I think the serenade must be for Harriet.”
“They are carrying something on their shoulders too,” cried Harriet.
The girls, by this time, had run out to the edge of the camp and in the faint twilight were trying to make out what it was that the Tramp Club were carrying. As the boys drew nearer, the girls saw that it was a burlap sack. Four boys were bearing the sack on their shoulders. It appeared to be very heavy.
“Why, boys,” exclaimed Miss Elting. “Are you moving?”
“Yes, Miss Elting,” answered Captain Baker, doffing his hat. “We are moving, in a sense. We have come prepared to lay the spoils of our forage at the feet of beauty. Boys, dump the bag. You know where.”
One of the boys untied the string by which the mouth of the sack had been secured, then the two lads at that end stepped from under. Instantly the contents began rolling out at Harriet Burrell’s feet.
“Muskmelons!” gasped the girls.
Great golden and green muskmelons bumped to the ground. Harriet’s face was full of color.
“They—they aren’t all for me? Surely, you don’t think I am equal to eating all of those?” she gasped.
“They are laid at your feet,” answered George dramatically. “For you and your friends.”