The muslin, drawn tightly over the temporary frame, had been painted until in the dark the boat bore a striking resemblance to a gondola, even to the odd prow in front. It was arranged that Grace should stand at the stern with a long oar, or what was to pass for it, while Betty would run the motor and do the real steering. Mollie, Amy, and Aunt Kate were to be passengers. Mollie borrowed a guitar and there was to be music and singing as they took part in the water pageant. “Well, it’s time to start,” announced Betty after supper. “We’ll light the Chinese lanterns after we get to our place in line,” for the boats were to be illuminated. The _Gem_ started off, being in the midst of many craft, all more or less decorated, that were to take part in the affair. CHAPTER XV THE RACE Like the scene from some simulated fairyland, or a stage picture, was the water pageant on Rainbow Lake. In double lines the motor boats moved slowly along from the starting point toward the float where the judges were stationed to decide which craft was entitled to the prize in its own class. “Oh, I’m so glad we entered!” cried Betty, as she stood at the wheel. Because of the cloth side of the “gondola” it appeared that she was merely reclining at her ease, as did the Venetian ladies of old, for a seat with cushions had been arranged near the steering wheel. “Oh, see that boat—just like an airship!” exclaimed Mollie, as they saw just ahead of them a craft so decorated. “And here’s one that looks just like a floating island, with trees and bushes,” added Amy. “That ought to take a prize.” “We ought to take one ourselves!” exclaimed Mollie. “We worked hard enough. My hands are a mass of blisters.” “And my back aches!” declared Grace. “But it was worth while. I don’t see any boat just like ours,” and she glanced along the line of craft ahead of them, and to those in the rear, as they were making a turn just then. “Oh, there’s one of the lanterns gone out!” cried Mollie. “I’ll light it,” and she proceeded to do so, taking it into the cabin because of the little breeze that blew over the lake. There was a band on one of the larger boats, and this played at intervals. “Let’s sing!” proposed Grace, and, with guitar accompaniment, the girls mingled their voices in one of the many part songs they had practiced at school. Applause followed their rendition, for they had chosen a time when there was comparative quiet. Around the course went the flotilla of boats, past the judges’ float, and back to the starting point. Then the parade was over, but a number of affairs had been arranged—dances, suppers and the like—by different cottagers. The girls had been invited to the dance at the headquarters of the Rainbow Lake Yacht Club, and they had accepted. They had dressed for the affair, and tying their boat to the club dock they went into the pretty little ballroom with Aunt Kate.