“It is as sultry as though there were going to be a storm,” remarked Betty, looking up at the sky, which was taking on the tints of evening. “I am glad we’re not going to be out on the lake to-night.” “Aren’t we ever going to do any night cruising?” asked Mollie, who was a bit venturesome at times. “Oh, of course. Why, the main water pageant takes place at night, one of those young men said, and we’ll be in that. Only I’m just as glad we’re tied up to-night,” spoke Betty. Near where they had docked was a little colony of summer cottages, and not far off was an amusement resort, including a moving picture show. “Let’s go, girls!” proposed Grace after supper, “We don’t want to sit around all evening doing nothing. The boat will be safe; won’t it, Betty?” “Don’t say ‘it’—my boat is a lady—speak of her as such,” laughed the Little Captain. “Yes, I think she will be safe. But I will see if there is a dock watchman, and if there is I’ll engage him.” There proved to be one, who, for a small fee, would see that no unauthorized persons entered the _Gem_. Then the girls, attiring themselves in their “shore togs,” as Betty expressed it, went to see the moving pictures. “What will we do to-morrow?” asked Grace, as they came out, having had two hours of enjoyment. “I was thinking of a little picnic ashore,” answered Betty. “There are some lovely places on the banks of the lake, to say nothing of the several small islands. We can cruise about a bit, and then go ashore with our lunch. Or, if any of you have any other plan, don’t hesitate to mention it. I want you girls to have a good time.” “As if we weren’t having it, Little Captain!” cried Mollie with an impulsive embrace. “The picnic by all means, and please let’s take plenty of crackers and olives.” “Talk about me eating candy,” mocked Grace, “you are as bad on olives.” “Well, they’re not so bad for one as candy.” “I don’t know about that.” “Oh, don’t argue!” begged quiet little Amy. “Let’s talk about the picnic.” It was arranged that they should have an informal one, and the next morning, after an uneventful night—save that Grace awakened them all by declaring someone was coming aboard, when it proved to be only a frightened dog—the next morning they started off again, leaving word with the dock watchman, who did boat repairing, that they would be back late that afternoon. They had made some inquiries, and decided to go ashore on Eel Island, so named from its long, narrow shape. There was a small dock there, which made it easy for the _Gem_ to land her passengers, since she drew a little too much water to get right up to shore.