“We’d better be tumbling into bed,” Doris interposed hastily, “or we won’t be rested for our trip tomorrow to Locked Gates.”
Shortly after eleven o’clock the following morning, David Chamberlin called for the girls. Wardell Force had of necessity taken an early train out of the city, so there were only Jake, Marshmallow and his mother to see them off.
“Wish I were going,” the plump youth murmured enviously. “Still, I have a sneaking notion it won’t be as jolly as you think down there at Locked Gates.”
“Then we’ll liven the place up,” Doris declared lightly.
Dave drove rather slowly, for neither he nor the girls were eager to reach Rumson before the middle of the afternoon. Doris and Kitty had gone to great pains to prepare and pack a dainty lunch and the three planned to stop some place along the road for a picnic.
The day was unpleasantly warm and sultry. As they took the main highway leading to Rumson, Doris glanced anxiously at the scattered clouds which were to be seen overhead.
“I hope it doesn’t rain and spoil our picnic,” she said.
“Oh, I don’t think it will,” Dave replied. “The sky is almost clear.”
It was true that the sun was shining brightly, but the sky had a dull appearance which Doris did not like. However, as they motored along enjoying the scenery, she forgot the matter completely.
“I’m beginning to get hungry,” Dave announced as it approached noon. “We may as well begin to look for a good place to stop.”