"That's a good, dear, old Jackie," replied Cora assuming something of her old-time lightheartedness. "Of course, Jack, you knew!"
Laurel was fumbling in her blouse. The others noticed the movement. "Just a picture I want to take," she explained. "You see, this is quite an old camp."
They saw but they did not understand. Then they started out in the darkness.
"Did you ever see such a black night?" asked Cora, "I had no idea
Cedar lake was so—so threatening!"
"Never!" replied Ed.
"But the water is just as friendly as ever," declared Jack. "Now let us try it." He untied the boat, and the party stepped in. Cora pressed Laurel's hand in silent encouragement for she saw her turning her eyes toward Fern Island.
"A lovely boat," Laurel remarked too quietly for the young men to hear her.
"Shall I speed her?" asked Jack opening the gas valve.
"Oh, yes, let us get home," begged Cora. "The girls must be frightened to death."
"They are," Walter assured her. "Belle was smelling kerosene to keep up, when we left," he went on superciliously.