Harriet.

"That would be like an ocean steamer. On the tables there they have
racks, strips running the full length of the table--usually brass--and
others standing on edge at right angles to them. This leaves squares
about the size of a plate and the strips keep the dishes from sliding
off the table. They are called racks by the passengers. Among sailors
they are known as 'fiddles,'" explained the guardian.

"Yeth, but the thoup will thpill over jutht the thame," observed Tommy
from the cabin.

"Your soup will not, for I'm going to eat it," jeered Margery.

Tommy hurried forth, fastening her collar as she walked. She was taking
no chances of losing her supper.

"Speaking of food," reflected Harriet. "Why can't we take our meats and
other perishable things and put them in a pail which we can weight down
until it sinks? That will keep the food cool."

"Yes. But what will you do with it when the boat is moving?" asked the
guardian.

"If I have to row the small boat, and pull the 'Red Rover,' it won't
move fast enough to harm the pail," spoke up Jane. "Do we have to drag
this tub all over the lake?"

"I am afraid we shall have to do so when we wish to move."

"Then it's my own self for a tug," declared Crazy Jane. "I shall go out
to-morrow looking for a good stout steam tug. I wonder if there is such
a thing in this neighborhood?"

"Maybe they have one at the farm houthe up there on the hill," suggested
Tommy. But not a smile did her observation draw from her companions.

"No, Jane. We aren't going to let you spend any more money for us. We
are out to rough it, and we are going to do so. We must get along by
ourselves," announced Miss Elting. "Of course it was different when
those young men towed us out, and now and then we may accept a tow. The
way to do will be to make short journeys, not to try to take long trips.
Moving by easy stages we should be able to make the complete circuit of
the lake before the vacation is ended."

"How long is the lake?" questioned Harriet.

"About thirty miles in a straight line, I believe."

"Thirty miles," groaned Crazy Jane.

"Oh, help!" moaned Margery.

"Thave uth!" lisped Grace.

"I thought you girls wanted recreation and exercise," laughed the
guardian.

"Why, of course we do, Miss Elting," declared Harriet.

"Of course," agreed Jane, nodding. "But dragging a house all around a
thirty-mile lake is neither exercise nor recreation. It's hard labor. If
you don't