Fred did not want to give in but the tide was running down and he was nearly opposite the south end of the island at the time, so Captain Ed helped to empty the canoe and the lad paddled back to the float in a disappointed frame of mind.
When the visitors were ready to leave, Miriam and Trixie were invited to remain and visit Elizabeth for a few days. So they gladly remained stretched out on the rush mats drying their long wet hair in the hot sunshine.
“Say, mother, isn’t it past time for lunch?” called Fred, as Mrs. Remington came from the float-stage after seeing the guests off in their launch.
“Um—that’s what we all want to know,” added Billy.
“Perhaps it is, I’ll go up and see,” replied Mrs. Remington, but the ringing of the bell just then caused a stampede from the rocks.
The ravenous young folks fell upon the pyramids of hot biscuits and clam-chowder as if there would never be another mouthful of food that summer. After three helpings to the soup and many, many slices of bread, besides the biscuits and crackers, Fred warned them all.
“The flag is up!”
“Where?” questioned Miriam, innocently, whereupon the initiated Islanders laughed hilariously.
“I see it!” cried Trixie, as she pointed to an American flag draped over the fireplace of the room.
Again every one laughed, and Miriam thought she knew what it was all about.