replied Kate.

"He is a mean fellow, then."

"We can get along without him. We shall have more money to spend
ourselves."

"But how shall we get over to Whitestone?"

"We can go up the river and take the ferry."

"Yes; and the first person we meet may be your father, or some of the
Woodville folks. No, Kate, we must not be seen; if we are, all our fun
will be spoiled."

"For my part I don't want Tom, or any other boy with us. I think boys
are hateful!"

"So do I; but I only want him to manage the boat. Don't you think you
could go up and find Tom?"

"I don't think I could," said Kate, indignantly.

"Where is he?"

"At school, I suppose."

"Couldn't you tell the teacher that your father wants him?" suggested
Fanny.

"No, I could not! I should be caught myself. I believe you want to get
me into trouble."

"I'm sure I don't, Kate, for that would get me into trouble. What shall
we do?"

"We will go up to the ferry. We can see who is in the boat before we go
on board."

"I won't do that if we don't go at all."

And so the brilliant scheme seemed to be defeated for the want of a
boatman; but Fanny was too bold and enterprising in mischief to give up
without a struggle.

CHAPTER III.

LETTING THE CAT OUT.

"Pooh! I shall not give it up so!" exclaimed Fanny, when it was certain
that Tom Magner did not intend to join the party.

"What will you do?" asked Kate.

"Go to Pennville, of course."

"How will you get there?"

"In the boat; we will take the Greyhound."

"You know we can't do anything of the kind, Fanny Grant."

"I know we can," replied the resolute girl.

"But who will manage her?"

"I will manage her myself."

"You?"

"Yes; I know how to manage a boat as well as any of them. I have sailed
enough to understand the whole thing," added Fanny, as she led the way
to the pier, off which the sail-boat was moored.

"Do you think I will risk my life in a boat with no one but you to
manage it?"

"But I know how to handle the boat as well as any one," persisted
Fanny. "There isn't much wind, and I'm sure there is no danger."

Kate Magner had a great many doubts, but the vision of cakes and candy,
lemonade and ice-cream, which her companion's money would purchase,
tempted her to yield. The breeze was apparently very light, and it
seemed hardly possible that the boat could be upset. She wavered, and
Fanny saw the advantage she had gained.

"If we don't get along very well, w