the bedding had been shipped by freight, as had the folding cots, the
cooking utensils and their tent. Harriet proposed that they make the
tent into an awning over the upper deck. She thought it would be a
pleasant place to sit in the evenings. Her companions agreed with her.
This necessitated calling in a carpenter. He was sent out to the boat to
do the work while they were finishing their shopping.

Among the purchases was an oil stove--Jane had sold the old one--a large
quantity of canned goods, potatoes and other vegetables, all of which
they planned to stow in the front of the houseboat under oilcloth. Here
also was stowed a huge sea chest that had belonged to Jane's
great-grandfather. It was supposed to be water-tight and in this the
Meadow-Brook Girls decided to place all their extra clothing. A rag
carpet was found that answered very well to cut up into rugs to lay on
the floor. The carpenter made a ladder by which to climb to the upper
deck. Then there was rope and an anchor, the latter a piece of an old
mowing machine; a rowboat, which Jane rented, and heavy green shades at
the windows so that they should have greater seclusion; also a cask to
hold drinking water.

When the girls finished their work that night Crazy Jane McCarthy had
spent quite a sum of money, but the equipment for the "Red Rover" was as
nearly complete as they were able to make it. Just before sunset they
went out to watch Miss Elting paint the name on the side of the boat. In
large, neat letters she painted the name in white. The letters stood out
in bold relief against the brilliant red of the boat.

"I propose three cheers for the artist," cried Harriet.

"Wait a minute," called Tommy.