“Oh yes, give Don a ride and something good to eat and he is happy!” jeered Meredith.
“I don’t think Don’s idea is so bad, Mete, especially as we can use some of the large farm-wagons filled with straw for the older children. They have not seen any part of the neighborhood as yet, and they ought to have an outing. We can finish all chores at camp and see that the little farms are all right for the day, and then leave Happy Hills about eleven; have a picnic luncheon somewhere and return about five,” said Uncle Ben.
“Where could we go?” asked several of the Blue Birds and Bobolinks.
“There is a beautiful lake nestling among the hills not ten miles from here,” suggested Aunt Selina. “It is used by anyone giving a picnic, and is considered free to the public, although the vast extent of woods is owned by a Philadelphia man.”
“If it is commonly used by the public, it will be just the spot. No harm will be done by going there,” said Mr. Richards.
“If we are going on a picnic tomorrow, we must plan all sorts of goodies to eat,” ventured Don, anxiously.
“Why not take what we might have at the Refectory—cook it in the woods, that’s all the difference,” said Uncle Ben.
“What’s a picnic without cake and ice-cream!” scorned Dot.
“I’ll see that the ice-cream gets there safely if Don and Dot will turn the freezers,” laughed Ned.
“We have a great freezer at the camp which is turned by electric power, so that need not worry you longer, Don,” said Flutey consolingly.