“Why don’t you talk?” asked Jack of Belle.
“She’s too interested in how deep the water is, and wondering if she will float as well as dripping Dick,” mocked Eline.
“I am not!” promptly answered Belle. “And just to show you that I’m not afraid I’m going to try to swim as soon as we go in bathing.”
“Which will be to-morrow,” said Cora.
They motored about the bay, winding in and out among anchored and moving craft. Cora was as adept at the wheel of the Pet as she was at that of the Whirlwind, and many admiring comments were made by other steersmen in the Cove, though Cora knew it not.
“She stood her land journey well,” remarked Bess, as she noted how well the engine was running.
“But you should have seen the trouble we had,” complained Walter. “We thought she’d never go!”
The day was lovely, and it was a temptation to stay out, but Cora was wise enough not to remain too long on the water. Already the effect of the hot sun was evident on the hands and faces of all, and the girls were secretly wishing for some talcum powder.
They went back to the float, arrangements having been made to dock the Petrel there. Then came a hasty meal and another spin.
They were getting matters down to a system in the bungalows now–at least the girls were. The boys lived haphazard, as they always did, and perhaps always would. Mrs. Chester–Aunt Susan–in the absence of Mrs. Fordam, who had returned home–assumed charge of Cora and her friends to the extent of seeing that meals were ready on time.