the water pageant on Rainbow Lake. In double lines the motor boats
moved slowly along from the starting point toward the float where the
judges were stationed to decide which craft was entitled to the prize
in its own class.

"Oh, I'm so glad we entered!" cried Betty, as she stood at the wheel.
Because of the cloth side of the "gondola" it appeared that she was
merely reclining at her ease, as did the Venetian ladies of old, for a
seat with cushions had been arranged near the steering wheel.

"Oh, see that boat-- just like an airship!" exclaimed Mollie, as they
saw just ahead of them a craft so decorated.

"And here's one that looks just like a floating island, with trees and
bushes," added Amy. "That ought to take a prize."

"We ought to take one ourselves!" exclaimed Mollie. "We worked hard
enough. My hands are a mass of blisters."

"And my back aches!" declared Grace. "But it was worth while. I don't
see any boat just like ours," and she glanced along the line of craft
ahead of them, and to those in the rear, as they were making a turn
just then.

"Oh, there's one of the lanterns gone out!" cried Mollie. "I'll light
it," and she proceeded to do so, taking it into the cabin because of
the little breeze that blew over the lake.

There was a band on one of the larger boats, and this played at
intervals.