of sich a thing at an outin' like this. Now, look here, I want yez to
be my guests to-day, at a real out-of-doors meal. Yez kin eat on a
steamer at any time. Will yez come? Everything is ready."

"But what about the dinner on the boat?" the Governor enquired.

"Oh, I'll send one of the scouts to tell them that ye're invited
elsewhere. Will that do?"

"I shall be delighted to go with you, and I know that my friends will,
too. It is very kind of you to ask us."

Calling to Rod, who was not far off, the captain sent him at once to
the steamer. Then bidding the men to follow him, he left the shore,
crossed the field, and entered the forest at the back of the
grand-stand. Here a trail led off to the left, and after a few
minutes' walk they came to a little brook gurgling down through the
forest. Tall trees formed an arch over the water, birds twittered and
sang, while a squirrel high up on a branch scolded noisily at the
intruders. A few rods along the brook brought into view a grassy spot
under the shade of a large maple tree. As the three strangers looked,
their eyes opened wide with surprise, for there before them was a
tempting repast spread upon a fair white linen cloth.

"Sit down, gentlemen," the captain ordered, "while I make tea."

"This is great!" the Governor exclaimed, as he seated himself upon the
ground, and leaned back against the bole of the tree.

"It certainly is," the Judge assented. "It reminds me of my boyhood