"Why, it isn't anything very elaborate," explained Betty, as she finished her soda. "It occurred to me that, as school closes exceptionally early this year, some of us girls could go for a two weeks' tramping tour before our regular summer vacation."
"And we're all in love with the idea," declared Amy.
"Twenty miles a day is our limit," added Mollie, smiling behind the youth's back.
"Twenty miles!" faltered Percy. "You never can do it—never!"
"Oh, yes, we can," said Betty, assuredly.
"Now do you still wish to join?" asked Grace, pointedly, glancing at
Percy.
"You never can do twenty miles!" affirmed Percy. "Let's have some more soda!" he added quickly, to change the subject.
To the credit of Grace Ford, who was really very fond of sweets, be it said that she refused, and that with the mocking eyes of all the girls fastened on her.
"I've had enough," spoke Betty. "You walk with me," she whispered to
Amy. "I don't want Percy to bore me. Stay near me, do!"
"I will," promised Amy.