ecruit enlisted into the
temperance cadet corps," said Uncle Gerald, laughing.
There was a shifting of planks by Rob and Jack, and in another moment
the little craft was dancing gaily upon the bright waters.
"Hurrah, hurrah!" cried the boys in chorus.
By turns they rowed a short distance down the stream and back. There
was no danger of sinking this time. Then they gathered under the tree,
where Mrs. Gordon and Uncle Gerald had unpacked the basket and set
forth a tempting lunch upon a tablecloth on the grass. As hunger is
said to be the best sauce, so good-humor sweetens the simplest fare.
Our friends enjoyed their sandwiches and doughnuts, and milk rich with
cream, as much as if a banquet had been spread before them. There was
plenty of fun, too; and though the wit was not very brilliant, it was
innocent and kindly, and served its purpose; for the company were quite
ready to be pleased at any one's effort to be entertaining or amusing.
After an hour or more, Mrs. Gordon announced her intention of returning
to the house.
"And I must be off also; for I have to drive two or three miles up
country, about some business," added her brother.
"We shall all have to leave now," said Jack. "Father Martin is going
to drill the cadets for a short time in the early part of the
afternoon."
"What arrangements have you made for fastening your boat?" asked Uncle
Gerald. "To guard against its being tampered with by meddlesome
persons, as well as to prevent its drifting away, you ought to secure
it to a stake near the bank by means of a padlock."
"We forgot to get one," returned Jack. "No one will touch it here.
I'll tie it to a tree with this piece of rope, so that it won't go
floating off on an exploring expedition on its own account."
The next day was Sunday, and the boys had no chance to use the boat
again until Monday after school. When they hurried to the spot where
it had been moored, alas! the _Jolly Pioneer_ was nowhere to be seen.
"Do you think she broke away?" asked Leo.
"Pshaw! The _Jolly Pioneer_ isn't a pony!" impatiently answered Jack.
"But the rope might have snapped," said Jim.
"No: the boat has been stolen," muttered Bob, gloomily.
"I don't believe that," continued Jim. "Perhaps some of the fellows
around have hidden her, just to plague us."
"I bet it was those Jenkins boys!" declared Jack. "Don't you remember,
Rob, how we made them stop badgering little Tommy Casey in the
schoo
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