“I should think so,” observed Betty. “They never found out who those mean autoists were, did they?” “No,” answered Grace, “and we’ve never gotten a trace of Prince, or the missing papers. Papa is much worried.” “Well, let’s talk about something more pleasant,” suggested Betty. “Shall we start off again?” “Might as well,” agreed Grace. “And as it isn’t far to that funny Mr. Lagg’s store, let’s stop and——” “Get some candy and poetry,” sniped Amy, with a laugh. “I was going to say hairpins, as I need them,” spoke Grace, with a dignity that soon vanished, “but since you suggested chocolates, I’ll get them as well.” They found Mr. Lagg smiling as usual. “This fine and beautiful sunny day, what will you have—oats or hay?” Thus he greeted the girls, who laughingly declined anything in the line of fodder. “Unless you could put some out as a bait for our horse Prince,” spoke Grace. “It’s the queerest thing where he can have gone.” “It is strange,” admitted the genial storekeeper, who had heard the story from Will. “But if I hear of him I’ll let you know. And, now what can I do for you? “I’ve razors, soap and perfume rare, To scent the balmy summer air,” He bowed to the girls in turn. “How about chewing gum?” asked Betty. “Oh, would you?” asked Grace, in rather horrified tones. “Certainly, aboard the boat where no one will see us.” “Gum, gum; chewing gum, One and two is a small sum,” Mr. Lagg thus quoted as he opened the showcase. The girls made several purchases, and were treated to more of the storekeeper’s amusing couplets. Then they started off again, having inquired for a good place at which to tie up for the night. Dunkirk, on the western shore, was recommended by Mr. Lagg in a little rhyme, and then he waved to them from the end of his dock as the _Gem_ was once more under way. “Look out for that big steamer,” cautioned Betty a little later, to Grace, who was steering. “Why, I’m far enough off,” answered Grace. “You never can tell,” responded the Little Captain, “for there is often a strong attraction between vessels on a body of water. Give it a wide berth, as Uncle Amos would say.” That Betty’s advice was needed was made manifest a moment later, for the large steamer whistled sharply, which was an intimation to the smaller craft to veer off, and Grace shifted the wheel. They reached Dunkirk without further incident, except that about a mile from it the motor developed some trouble. In vain Betty and the others poked about in the forward compartment trying to locate it, and they might not have succeeded had not a man, passing in a little one-cylindered boat, kindly stopped and discovered that one of the spark plug wires was loose. It was soon adjusted and the _Gem_ proceeded. “I’ll always be on the lookout for that first, when there is any trouble after this,” said Betty, as she thanked the stranger.