There were one or two small open motor boats tied there, but they were not manned. The girls made sure of their cable fastenings, and soon the appetizing odor of cooking came from the small galley. The girls donned long aprons over their sailor costumes, and ate out on the open deck, for it was rather close in the cabin.
“It is as sultry as though there were going to be a storm,” remarked Betty, looking up at the sky, which was taking on the tints of evening. “I am glad we’re not going to be out on the lake to-night.”
“Aren’t we ever going to do any night cruising?” asked Mollie, who was a bit venturesome at times.
“Oh, of course. Why, the main water pageant takes place at night, one of those young men said, and we’ll be in that. Only I’m just as glad we’re tied up to-night,” spoke Betty.
Near where they had docked was a little colony of summer cottages, and not far off was an amusement resort, including a moving picture show.
“Let’s go, girls!” proposed Grace after supper, “We don’t want to sit around all evening doing nothing. The boat will be safe; won’t it, Betty?”
“Don’t say ‘it’—my boat is a lady—speak of her as such,” laughed the Little Captain. “Yes, I think she will be safe. But I will see if there is a dock watchman, and if there is I’ll engage him.”
There proved to be one, who, for a small fee, would see that no unauthorized persons entered the Gem. Then the girls, attiring themselves in their “shore togs,” as Betty expressed it, went to see the moving pictures.
“What will we do to-morrow?” asked Grace, as they came out, having had two hours of enjoyment.
“I was thinking of a little picnic ashore,” answered Betty. “There are some lovely places on the banks of the lake, to say nothing of the several small islands. We can cruise about a bit, and then go ashore with our lunch. Or, if any of you have any other plan, don’t hesitate to mention it. I want you girls to have a good time.”