time."

"This island is too large to explore this morning," declared Miss
Elting.

"It may take some days," Harriet nodded, as they strolled about, "but it
will be delightful work."

On the outer side they discovered evidences that picnic parties had been
there. And then they came upon the remains of a campfire, but it was a
small one, as though there had been but a solitary camper, and that some
time back.

"I hope no one comes while we're here," murmured Margery.

"How selfish!" laughed Hazel.

By seven o'clock the delighted girls began to retrace their steps toward
the houseboat.

"Now, let's go down to the shore and take a look out over the lake,"
proposed Harriet, and this was done.

There were several boats in sight, but at the distance these looked like
mere specks. A large excursion steamer was passing in the middle of the
lake. Feeling quite certain that they were in no danger of being
discovered the girls found a place in the sunlight and there sat down to
bask in the pleasant warmth of the sun.

"Get back, at once!" cried Harriet, suddenly springing to her feet, then
crouching. "We don't want to be seen."

The girls retreated up the shore in some confusion, not stopping to ask
questions until they were concealed.

"Oh, now I hear it," cried Hazel. "A motor boat coming! Do you think
it's the one the boys are using?"

"I don't know," Harriet replied, "but it's heading straight for the
island, and we must be ready to seek hiding on the 'Red Rover.'"

Anxious eyes peered through the bushes, watching the approaching boat
for some time.

"It _is_ the boys!" announced Miss Elting finally.

Tommy leaped up, and started to run.

"Wait!" commanded Harriet. "Let's make sure what they are going to do
before we run away. We may have to creep across that open space there. I
think they can see it from the lake. If they are coming to land on the
island they will have to go farther to the right. That will be our time
to get back."

But the Tramp Club had no intention of landing at that moment. They were
nearing the island for the purpose of looking it over. When they had
come as close as they cared to run they turned the boat sharply and
moved along at a slower rate of speed. They were out of sight of the
girls a few moments after that.

"Now for the boat. They are going around to the other side of the
island," declared Harriet. "I think our plan is going to work."

* * * *