could not all have been seized with swimming cramps at the same
moment. No, Belle, I have no such fear. But I am going right out
to investigate. I know Jack would never stay away if he could get
here, especially when he knew this would be your first evening at
the lake. Why, the boys were just wild to try my boat," and she
threw her motor cape over her shoulders. "Come on girls, down to
the steamer landing. There may have been some accident."

Belle and Bess were ready instantly. Indeed the twins seemed more
alarmed than did Cora, but then they were not used to brothers, and
did not realize how many things may happen and may not happen, to
detain young men on a summer day or even a summer night.

"Oh dear!" sighed Belle, "I have always dreaded the water. I did
promise mamma and Bess to conquer my nervousness and not make folks
miserable, but now just see how things happen to upset me," and she
was almost in tears.

"Nothing has happened yet, Belle dear," said Cora kindly, "and we
hope nothing will happen. You see your great mistake comes from
what Jack calls the 'sympathy bug.' You worry about people before
you know they are in trouble. I feel certain the boys will be found
safe and sound, but at the same time I would not be so foolhardy as
to trust to dumb luck."

"You are a philosopher, Cora," answered the nervous girl, her tone
showing that she meant to compliment her chum.

"No, merely logical," corrected Cora, as they walked along. "You
know what marks I always get in logic."