hing camp. We are going to have near neighbors," answered
Harriet, unshipping the oar and tying the rowboat to the scow.

"Of course, you do not know who they are?"

"Yes, I do. It is George Baker and his friends."

A chorus of exclamations greeted this announcement.

"They have come over here to find us. I think we will play our second
trick on them to-night. It won't do to wait until to-morrow. We will get
caught if we do."

"Those boys certainly are persistent. They must suspect that we are in
hiding somewhere hereabouts."

"Yes. I wanted them to think so. I did not wish them to believe we had
been drowned and have the entire lakeside out looking for us. That
wouldn't be fun. It is more fun to tease and tantalize them."

"Maybe they've got an oven tho Buthter can make her cuthtard," suggested
Tommy Thompson.

"Please do be quiet, Tommy. We want to hear about the Tramp Club and
what we are to do to outwit them," said Miss Elting. "Did they bring
their tent with them, Harriet?"

"Yes. At least they have a small tent. I don't believe they have moved
their permanent camp, but they are here in force, that is certain. Now,
I'll tell you about the surprise I propose to give them."

Harriet explained briefly. At first the girls were not in favor of it,
but after she had gone into further details they grew enthusiastic.

"You certainly do love to work, don't you, Harriet Burrell?" said Miss
Elting with a laugh. "But it is good for you. I like to see you all
active. One is likely to grow lazy on a houseboat."

"Not on thith houtheboat," complained Tommy. "It keepeth me tired out
all the time watching other folkth work. My boneth ache all night long,
I am tho tired. When I get home I'll thleep for a month to make up for
lotht time."

"Had we better start now, Harriet?" asked the guardian.

"Oh, mercy, no; The boys are up yet and perhaps out on the lake. I
propose that we go to bed, setting our alarm clock for two o'clock in
the morning."

"Help, help!" moaned Margery. "You'll be the death of me."

"Thave me!" murmured Tommy.

CHAPTER XIII

AN EARLY MORNING SURPRISE

Half an hour after Harriet had outlined her scheme to surprise their
friends, the girls were in bed. They were tired, as usual, and went
promptly to sleep.

In the meantime the Tramp Club boys had been busy making camp. They
built up a campfire, and, before going to bed, cooked some fish that had
been caught by one of their number t