mock resentment,
as he fended the canoe away from the wharf. "It doesn't seem possible
that a venerable relic like me would ever have any chance with a
beautiful young goddess like you."

"Maybe you haven't!"

"Don't taunt me, woman, or I'll let you starve to death! Archie," he
went on, his delight in her bright in his eyes, "this might be just the
right moment to propose marriage. Your presence is a little
embarrassing, but all the conditions here are unusual. Ruth, I'm so
proud of myself for loving you that I feel like proclaiming it to all
the world."

She picked up a chip and threw it at him with a boy's free swing. He
caught it and placed it tenderly in his pocket.

"The first gift you ever made me!" he cried rapturously. "I shall ask
you to autograph it later. I shall treasure it always!"

"Who are those gentlemen out yonder?" she asked, spying Congdon and
Leary in the row boat.

"The gentleman idling at the oars is Mr. Leary, the honest innkeeper
from Huddleston; the other is Mr. Putney Congdon!"

"Not really! Please don't tell me we're to have another kidnaping!"

"Certainly not! Leary was a valuable member of our rescue party last
night and he's wholly friendly to our cause. Mr. Congdon came up with
Mr. Comly merely to be near his daughter."

"How did he know she was here? Please don't jest; this is very serious!"

"He knew because he got a mysterious message from me hinting that his
wife had sent the child here. He's a charming fellow--not at all the
brute we've been thinking him; and while we've told him only what it's
best for him to know about ourselves he cheerfully enlisted in our
campaign to protect the camp. He's even now--"

An exclamation from Ruth caused Archie and the Governor to turn toward
the lake. The _Arthur B. Grover_ was steaming slowly into the bay. A
moment later Leary whistled to call attention to the Carey launch, which
was running rapidly toward the camp.

"Keep out of sight," said the Governor, "and send your young charges to
play in the woods. We don't want witnesses if anything disagreeable
happens while we're unloading."

"Please," she cried, turning to go, "take care of yourselves! We'd
better give up the fight right now than have you hurt!"

"It was pretty nice of her to say that, Archie," said the Governor
soberly, watching her as she disappeared down a long lane of tents.
"We'll see some fun now if Carey cuts any capers."

"He'll hardly ram the tug, though he