me over to be near us? Isn't that fine?" laughed Crazy
Jane.

"We--we thought may--maybe the fishing was better over here," replied
George lamely.

"Oh, thave me!" muttered Tommy, then fled into the cabin that they might
not observe her laughter.

"May we come aboard?" asked Billy.

"Not yet, boys," returned Miss Elting in reply. "Our house is not set to
rights for company. Come over later. We should be pleased to have you."

"Say. It's hot out here. Suppose we tow you in nearer to our camp.
There will be more shade there too," suggested Larry.

"Thank you. That will be nice."

"Come over and have luncheon with us to-day noon," urged George.

Miss Elting also accepted this invitation, rather to the surprise of the
boys. Billy, without loss of time, fastened a line to the houseboat
attaching the other end of the line to a cleat on the after deck of the
launch. In the meantime Larry had jumped aboard the "Red Rover" and
hauled in the anchor for them. The launch then towed the scow up to the
camp of the tramps. Miss Elting motioned for them to draw the boat a
little beyond the camp, which was done.

"Cast off," shouted Captain Harriet.

Jane slipped the tow line then let the anchor go over with a splash.

"You girls work just like regular sailors," declared Larry admiringly.

"We will see you at noon," called Miss Elting. "You needn't mind to come
out for us. We have our rowboat."

"No. We will come for you with the launch," answered Billy.

As agreed, the boys came out with the launch shortly before twelve
o'clock and took the Meadow-Brook party ashore. George, with an apron
tied about his neck, was deep in preparations for dinner. Harriet and
Jane immediately put on their own aprons, which they had brought along,
and went to work, while Hazel and Margery bustled about assisting Larry
and Sam in getting the table ready. The boys had arranged rustic seats
in place of chairs, and the table, set under the spreading foliage,
looked very neat and attractive.

[Illustration: George Was Deep in Preparations for Dinner.]

That luncheon was one of the most enjoyable that any member of the party
ever recalled having sat down to. No reference was made to the
mysterious appearance and disappearance of the Meadow-Brook Girls until
near the close of the meal.

"You haven't told us where you have been all the time," said Captain
Baker with affected gayety.

"Oh, yes, I have. I told you we had been near here all the