As for Jack and Walter, they declared that they we're ready to start
on ten minutes notice.

"All we have to do is to chuck a few things in a suit case, and buy
our tickets," Walter declared. "I always carry a tooth brush with
me."

"Wonderful--marvelous!" mocked Bess.

"Superior creatures--aren't they?" suggested Cora, smiling.

And so the preparations went on. The party was to sail in a fruit
steamer from New York, and would land at San Juan, where Mr. Robinson
had engaged rooms at the best hotel. He expected to do considerable
business there, but future plans were not all settled.

"At any rate, we'll have a most glorious time!" declared Bess, "and
I'm sure it will do Jack good."

"I think its done him some good already just thinking about it,"
replied Cora. "Though he declares that he doesn't care much, one way
or the other. It isn't like Jack to be thus indifferent."

"He doesn't seem so very indifferent--just now," commented. Belle,
dryly. "He and Walter are trying to explain to Inez how a motor car
works and I do believe Jack is holding her hand much longer than he
needs, to in showing her how the gears are shifted."

The three girls--Cora and her chums--were in Cora's room, making a