"Told you there wasn't any bridge!" snickered Twaddles in triumph.

"Stop teasing your sister," ordered Father Blossom. "Stay with
Mother, children, till I run the car into the shop. Who runs the
boat, Dick?"

"Man named Jenks," answered Mr. Harley. "It makes two trips a day
during the season; goes to all the islands and carries the mail
and fresh vegetables. Jenks will do errands in town for you, too,
if you want anything. Very obliging. Never gets mad."

Mr. Harley spoke in short, jerky sentences that fascinated the
listening children, Bobby especially.

"How many islands are there?" Meg wanted to know.

"'Bout eleven," said Mr. Harley. "Some little, some big. Apple
Tree Island? Oh, that's medium, I guess."

Father Blossom came back from putting up the car and took charge
of the suitcases. Each of the four little Blossoms carried his own
coat. Presently they heard the chug-chug-chug of a motor-boat.

"All aboard!" called a bluff, hearty voice, and a green and white
boat shot up beside the wharf on which the Blossoms stood.

"These passengers are for Apple Tree Island," said Mr. Harley.
"Know whether their baggage's come yet?"

"Poled three trunks and six small boxes over on the raft yesterday