fishing scow with a roof over it. It isn't a fit place for a party of
young ladies," Dee replied, with a shrug of his shoulders. "Of course,
if you are set on taking the boat, I'll have to get it ready for you;
but, if anything happens to it, remember that I warned you."

"We shall not forget," answered the guardian dryly. "If it stays on top
of the lake we surely cannot expect anything more. Where is the boat?"

"A couple of miles down the lake."

"Kindly direct us so that we may find it, and--"

"No, no," interposed Dickinson hastily. "I'll have it brought up here to
the dock, so you can get at it more easily. There'll be some things you
will wish to do to it. Having it here at Wantagh will be much more
convenient for you. I'll try to have it here for you by to-night, or
early in the morning. But you'll be sick of your bargain, I promise you
that."

"Do you mean us to infer that the boat is not safe?" interjected Harriet
Burrell.

"I haven't said so," answered the man rather sharply, turning to her.
"I've told you that it isn't the kind of craft for young women to live
on all summer."

"We shall decide that matter ourselves," returned Miss Elting coldly.

"Very good. Suit yourselves."