"What is in the basket?" asked the kind captain, fearing an
explosion from Twaddles, who was furious at this public reference
to his age.

"Oh, that's the wash!" said Bobby. "Mother wants to know if any
one in Greenpier will wash and iron clothes?"

"Four of you going specially on that errand, I suppose," chuckled
the captain, "and not one of you remembered what you were going
for. Sure I know some one who will wash 'em and iron 'em up in
great style and be glad of the job. Mrs. Clayton's her name. Here,
Bobby, you don't have to get off--I'll catch that basket."

Captain Jenks took a long pole with a hook on one end of it that
he used to hook fruit baskets and crates and bundles with, and
neatly drew the clothes basket on board. Mother Blossom had tied
the clothes in securely and put paper over the top, knowing,
perhaps, that the basket was destined to have an adventurous
journey.

"Are there smugglers on the island?" Bobby asked the captain, as
the motor-boat churned up the water swiftly, and they left Apple
Tree Island behind.

"Well, no, I wouldn't say that," replied the captain. "But we've
had it reported that people living in Reville, that's a town up
Sunset Lake almost opposite Kidd's Island where we're going, have
seen fires on the beach at night. It's closed season now for the
birds, and if any one is shooting 'em, we want to know it."