From that time on the luck was good, and before long they had a number of perch and pickerel, together with enough bass to supply all they needed for an abundant dinner.
“I guess we’re pretty well fixed now,” said Jack, as he eyed the pile of fish. “What do you say now to hustling along and giving Walter a chance to make good on that frying proposition? I think he’s bragging, if you ask me.”
“You do, eh?” retorted Walter. “If you clean the fish as well as I cook them there’ll be nothing left to ask for.”
They started up the boat again, and before long were near the end of the lake. They went along slowly, trying to find the special place that Cora had referred to.
“There it is!” she exclaimed at length. “See! Right in that little cove.”
She pointed to a little indentation in the shore where the trees had thinned out so as to leave an open space carpeted with velvety, springing turf. Near by, a tiny promontory extended into the water, and here it was deep enough for the Water Sprite to float without touching bottom.
“What a lovely spot!” exclaimed Belle.
“A little bit of Eden,” seconded her sister.
“And a dandy place to land,” commented Jack. “We can fasten a rope to that tree and step ashore without having to wade.”
The boys helped the girls ashore, and followed them, bringing along their catch.