"No. We will come for you with the launch," answered Billy.
As agreed, the boys came out with the launch shortly before twelve o'clock and took the Meadow-Brook party ashore. George, with an apron tied about his neck, was deep in preparations for dinner. Harriet and Jane immediately put on their own aprons, which they had brought along, and went to work, while Hazel and Margery bustled about assisting Larry and Sam in getting the table ready. The boys had arranged rustic seats in place of chairs, and the table, set under the spreading foliage, looked very neat and attractive.
That luncheon was one of the most enjoyable that any member of the party ever recalled having sat down to. No reference was made to the mysterious appearance and disappearance of the Meadow-Brook Girls until near the close of the meal.
"You haven't told us where you have been all the time," said Captain Baker with affected gayety.
"Oh, yes, I have. I told you we had been near here all the time," answered Miss Elting, smiling tolerantly.
"But how did you get over to this side of the lake? That is what you haven't told us," spoke up Billy Gordon.
"You mean that that is what you wish to tell us," replied Harriet. "You towed us over of course during the night. You played the first trick and won. But now you must tell us what became of the 'Red Rover,' the next day."
"But we can't," exclaimed George. "We hunted—"
"Of course you did," laughed Harriet. "We were watching you all the time."