“Oh, that isn’t the only kind of trouble that can develop in a motor,” he assured her. But Betty well knew this herself. They had passed Elm Island soon after leaving Mr. Lagg’s store, but saw no sign of life on it. They intended to come back later on in their cruise and camp there, if they decided to carry out their original plans of living in a tent or bungalow. “That is, if the ghost doesn’t make it too unpleasant,” remarked Betty. They ate supper aboard the boat, cooking on the little galley stove. Then the work of getting ready for the night, washing the dishes, preparing the bunks, and so on, was divided among the five, though Aunt Kate wanted the girls to go ashore and let her attend to everything. “We’ll take a little walk ashore after we have everything ready,” suggested Betty. The stroll along the river bank in the cool of the evening, while the colors of the glorious sunset were still in the sky, was most enjoyable. “Gracious! A mosquito bit me!” exclaimed Grace, as she rubbed the back of her slim, white hand. “That isn’t a capital crime,” laughed Mollie. “No, but if there are mosquitoes here they will make life miserable for us to-night,” Grace went on. “I have citronella, and there are mosquito nettings over the bunks,” said Betty. “Don’t worry.” They went back to the boat, and the lanterns were lighted. “Oh, doesn’t it look too nice to sleep in!” exclaimed Amy, as they gazed into the little cabin, with its tastefully arranged berths. “I’m tired enough to sleep on almost any thing,” yawned Mollie. “Let’s see who’ll be the first to——” “Not snore, I hope!” exclaimed Betty. “Don’t suggest such a thing,” came from Amy. “We are none of us addicted to the luxury.” But, after all, tired as they were, no one felt like going to sleep, once they were prepared for it. They talked over the events of the day, got to laughing, and from laughing to almost hysterical giggling. But finally nature asserted herself, and all was quiet aboard the _Gem_, which had been moored to a private dock, just above the town. It was Betty, rather a light sleeper, who awoke first, and she could not account at once for the peculiar motion. It was as though she was swinging in a hammock. She sat up, and peered about the dimly lighted cabin. Then the remembrance of where she was came to her. “But—but!” she exclaimed. “We’re adrift! We’re floating down the river!” She sprang from her berth and awakened Grace by shaking her. CHAPTER XI IN DANGER “What is it? Oh, what has happened?” Grace cried half hysterically as she saw Betty bending over her. The others awakened. “Why, we’re moving!” exclaimed Amy, in wonderment. “What did you want to start off for, in the middle of the night?” Mollie asked, blinking the sleep from her eyes. “I didn’t,” answered Betty quickly. “We’re adrift! I don’t know how it could have happened. You girls tied the boat, didn’t you?” “Of course,” answered Grace. “I fastened both ropes myself.”