“Won’t it be glorious?” breathed Ruth. “I do hope Blue Wolf will teach us canoeing. I’ve always been crazy to learn it.”
“So have I,” declared Betty and Marian in concert.
“I can manage a canoe,” proudly asserted Jane. “It’s as easy as falling off a log.”
“I think I could manage to upset one,” grinned Frances. “When we get to Vermilion Lake, Plain Jane, you and I will go canoeing and see what happens.”
“I wouldn’t risk my precious self in a canoe with you, Frances Bliss, for anything in the world!” declined Jane loftily.
“I wouldn’t set foot in a canoe.” It was Blanche who made this emphatic assertion. “They are never safe. It takes only a touch to upset one.”
“They’re safe enough if you don’t try to stand up in one, and know how to step into it in the first place,” stoutly contested Jane.
“You may think so, but I don’t,” persisted Blanche tartly.
“I don’t think so, I know it.” Jane could never resist an opportunity to oppose Blanche.
“I shall expect all of you to be very careful when on the water,” cautioned Miss Drexal. “You must promise not to take the canoes out, unless Blue Wolf is on hand to look after you. The passages between the islands are very narrow and confusing. You are likely to get lost if you try to go far alone. Now we had best decide about our luggage. We shall wear our Camp Fire suits, and each carry a pack, containing only strictly necessary articles. We will put all our extra clothing into a large trunk of mine, and send it on to be put with our other equipment. I would advise you to carry your sweaters along with your packs. We will pack our ceremonial dresses in the trunk, in case we wish to hold a Council Fire. We shall make our own bough-beds and cover them with blankets.