“Why not?” he drawled goodnaturedly. “That’s what we came for, wasn’t it?”
“But we want to explore first,” Doris declared. “There’s lovely scenery, and then we must work up an appetite for luncheon.”
“Mine is already working,” Marshmallow grinned.
However, he placed the dishes back in the hamper and started out with the others, managing to pair himself with Kitty, which was not difficult, as Doris and Dave were absorbed in each other.
A steep path led down to the lake, and this the party decided to explore. Slipping and sliding, they finally reached the bottom of the decline without mishap. There, finding a boat tied to an old log, they decided it would be good sport to go for a ride on the lake.
“There aren’t any oars,” Doris observed in disappointment.
“We don’t need ’em,” Marshmallow declared, picking up a board. “This will do almost as well.”
By hunting around they found another board nearly the same size, and with Dave and Marshmallow each wielding one of the improvised oars, they courageously set out in the little boat. The paddles were not very effective and the young men worked like Trojans to propel the craft a few yards. For the most part they were content to drift with the wind.
Tiring of this sport, they brought the boat to shore and left it tied to the log.
The party was about to climb the hill again when Doris noticed a path leading around the lake. She proposed that they continue their trip of exploration, and the suggestion was greeted with enthusiasm.