"Boys!" echoed Cora.
"B-o-y-s!" drawled Maud, "chucking the imploring look," as Cecilia whispered to Cora.
"We have been discussing the question," declared Bess, as they all started toward the lunch spread on the grass, "and we have now fully decided. The answer is: No boys!"
This verdict brought forth the expected chorus of groans from the young men.
"Indeed, you may be glad to get a fellow when you find yourselves in a good and proper smashup," declared Jack, "and I predict a smash-up about every other mile."
The sight of the tempting lunch and that of the other young ladies who had not undertaken the march to the spring, was the signal for a "grand rush"—and that was about all.
When the boys extricated themselves from the "rush" there was not a crumb visible.
"We had all we wished," faltered the circumspect Ray Stuart. "You were entirely welcome—might have saved, at least, the dishes."
"Oh," breathed Ed, "it is so much pleasanter to poach—don't spoil it."
Ed cast a most appreciative glance at Ray. She expected it, of course, and accepted it with a smile.