The club so far was limited to the three girls from Woodford, Jessie Robinson, Doris Maybel, Gladys Holt and four other chums of Jessie's, who remained its leader.
The midnight scare had the desired effect upon Lottie and Kate. They no longer circulated scandalous rumors about the three chums from Woodford. But those same girls suspected that this signified, not peace, but an armed neutrality, and that they would, in all probability, hear from these two unpleasant girls again.
Meanwhile, beyond saying that they might set a guard at the school, the local police, represented by Sheriff Crabb, accomplished nothing whatever toward the apprehension of the rascals who had twice plundered Laurel Hall.
As days went by and still there was no news of the thieves or their stolen property, the girls accepted the inevitable and settled down to studies and play much the same as usual.
As soon as the weather definitely cleared Sadie declared her intention of taking out a rowboat on the lake.
"But you don't know a thing about rowing!" protested Jo.
"What has that got to do with it? I can learn, can't I?"
"Well, for that matter, so can I," retorted Jo, and the two girls ran blithely up to the Hall to gain the consent of Miss Talley to take one of the boats on the lake.
Since the young teacher happened to be disengaged at the moment, she offered to go out with them.
"Oh, would you?" cried Sadie. "That will be fine! I do so want to know how to row."