"Oh, dear, I suppose you will want to kill us; but Jean and I, in a sudden fit of enthusiasm, said we would attend to that, and not one thing have we done yet."
"Did you think to provide any cold meat for sandwiches?" demanded the young housekeeper.
"Oh, yes; there are three stout chickens, some cold corned beef, and a 'bit of ham bone,' as Bridget puts it, gracing your larder."
"Well, we haven't a moment to spare, so call Jean, and let us get right to work."
The pile of sandwiches grew rapidly under the girls' deft hands, and little Larry, wandering in from the veranda, looked longingly at these interesting preparations.
"Wish I could go with you," he ventured, with sudden courage.
"Don't speak of it," replied Helen emphatically, as she ran out of the room to get a fresh supply of bread.
"Guess you'll all be drownded, anyway," and Larry eyed them with a superior and triumphant mien.
"That's right, my cheerful little brother," laughed Jean. "Always look on the bright side of things."
"Now, when shall we tell Aunt Helen we will be back?" asked Nathalie, as they were fitting the cover down on the well-filled hamper.