That could only
be expected.

Tom did not return for dinner. Nor did Mr. Hammond come back to
headquarters. Chess Copley was eager to get the girls out in his
_Lauriette_ again.

"Pooh! it's nothing much, I guess," said Helen, seemingly having lost her
first interest in the smugglers and the King of the Pipes. "And, anyway,
I shall not go unless Tom is with us."

"Why, Helen!" cried Ruth, "I thought you were so eager."

"Well, perhaps. If Tom went."

"But we promised Chess."

"You promised him. He wants to do it because you are going."

"Now, Helen, you know--"

"I know just what I am saying. I have no interest in 'Lasses Copley. You
have."

"You are the most exasperating girl!" exclaimed Ruth, in some warmth.

They were in their room freshening their toilets for the evening.

"I don't seem to suit you any more than Tom does," said her chum coolly.

"I declare, Helen! you go too far."

"I shan't go too far this time--without Tom." Helen laughed in a
provoking way. "You can run along with your Chessleigh if you like. Not
me!"

"That is just what I will do," said Ruth quietly, but with flashing eyes.
"I would not insult him by refusing--now. I will tell him you have a
headache and cannot come."

"Do as you like," was the ungracious reply. "You are crazy about Chess, I
guess."

"I believe you are jealous, Helen Cameron!" cried Ruth, in wonder.

"I don't know why I should be," returned Helen lightly. "I've no interest
in Chess Copley. And I haven't had since--"

"Since when, I'd like to know?"

"Since I found him out. So now! That's enough. I am not going. Unless, of
course, Tom returns and wants me to go along with you and Chess."

What more was there to say? Ruth did not wish to disappoint Chessleigh.
She felt that Helen Cameron had no reason for treating the young man as
she did.

So, as she had done before, and without much interest in the evening
sailing party, Ruth left the bungalow to join the waiting Chessleigh at
the dock.

CHAPTER XIX

SUSPENSE

Tom and his party in the other motor-boat had not appeared, nor had the
_Gem_ come back from the town of Chippewa Bay with Mr. Hammond. Why
should not Ruth and Chessleigh spy about among the islands for a time?

It was not now moonlight; and there was some haze which gave a
smouldering effect to the stars peering through it. But these soft, hazy
nights had their own charm and Ruth had come to love them.

Especially on the water.