"I was thinking of a little picnic ashore," answered Betty. "There are
some lovely places on the banks of the lake, to say nothing of the
several small islands. We can cruise about a bit, and then go ashore
with our lunch. Or, if any of you have any other plan, don't hesitate
to mention it. I want you girls to have a good time."

"As if we weren't having it, Little Captain!" cried Mollie with an
impulsive embrace. "The picnic by all means, and please let's take
plenty of crackers and olives."

"Talk about me eating candy," mocked Grace, "you are as bad on
olives."

"Well, they're not so bad for one as candy."

"I don't know about that."

"Oh, don't argue!" begged quiet little Amy. "Let's talk about the
picnic."

It was arranged that they should have an informal one, and the next
morning, after an uneventful night-- save that Grace awakened them all
by declaring someone was coming aboard, when it proved to be only a
frightened dog-- the next morning they started off again, leaving word
with the dock watchman, who did boat repairing, that they would be
back late that afternoon.

They had made some inquiries, and decided to go ashore on Eel Island,
so named from its long, narrow shape. There was a small dock there,