“Better keep on this side of the pier and draw in a little toward shore,” Darry suggested. “Otherwise the swells from that craft might affect us unpleasantly.”
They followed his suggestion and drew in toward shore. The steamer came rapidly closer, slowed as it neared its destination and slipped up to the pier.
With interest, the girls watched as the steamer disgorged its crowds upon the dock.
Most of these people—girls and women in gay-colored sports clothes and men and boys in natty white flannels—landed just long enough to eat lunch and get a glimpse of the picturesque forest. Then back again by the steamer to New Melford.
Suddenly, with a hysterical giggle and a clutch on Jessie’s arm, Amy pointed to some one in the crowd.
“Do my eyes deceive me?” she cried. “Or is that Belle Ringold?”
“What!” cried Darry, starting up, a hunted look on his face. “Tell me you are mistaken, Amy—quick!”
“Would that I could, but I cannot,” returned Amy mournfully.
Jessie and Nell now discovered with dismay that Belle was accompanied by her boon companion, Sally Moon.
“Merciful heaven, let’s get out of this!” cried Burd. “Let’s go home!”