which made it easy for the Gem to land her passengers, since she drew
a little too much water to get right up to shore.

The girls cruised about Rainbow Lake, being saluted many times by
other craft, the occupants of which seemed to admire Betty's fine
boat. In turn she answered with the regulation three blasts of the air
whistle. At several private docks, the property of wealthy cottagers,
could be seen signs of preparation for the coming water carnival. The
boat houses were being decorated, and in some cases elaborate schemes
of ornamentation were under way for the boats themselves.

"It looks as though it would be nice," remarked Mollie.

"Yes, I think we shall enjoy it," agreed Betty.

They stopped at one cottage, occupied by a Mrs. Ralston, whom Betty
knew slightly. Mrs. Ralston wanted the girls and Aunt Kate to stay to
lunch, but they told of their picnic plans. They wanted to inquire
about Mr. Stone and Mr. Kennedy, and they were all glad to learn that
the two young men were held in the highest esteem, and were given a
great deal of credit for their hard work in connection with the lake
pageant.

"And to think they could be so unfeeling as to make Prince run away
and cause all that trouble," observed Mollie, as they were again
aboard the boat.

"Perhaps it was not they, or there may be some explanation of their
conduct," suggested Betty. "We must not judge too hastily."