All was in readiness. Good-byes had been said to relatives and friends, and Mrs. Billette, holding Paul by the hand, had come down to the dock to bid farewell to her daughter and chums.
“Have a good time!” she wished them.
A maid hurried up to her, and said something in French.
“Oh, the doctor has come!” exclaimed Mollie’s mother. “The doctor who is to look at Dodo—the specialist. Oh, I am so glad!”
“Shall I stay, mother?” cried Mollie, making a move as though to come ashore.
“No, dear; no! Go with your friends. I can send you word. You may call me by the telephone. Good-bye—good-bye!”
The Gem slowly dropped down the stream under the influence of the current and her own power, Betty having throttled down the motor that the farewell calls might be better heard. Mrs. Billette, waving her hand, hastened toward the house, the maid taking care of little Paul, whose last request was:
“Brin’ me some tandy!”
CHAPTER X
ADRIFT
“Well, Captain Betty, what are your orders?” asked Amy, as the four girls, and Aunt Kate, stood grouped in the space aft of the trunk cabin, Betty being at the wheel, while the Gem moved slowly down the Argono River.