“I suppose it is just because we have had so much separation that we can’t bear any more of it! even a little,” suggested gentle Amy, feeling as if she had just awakened from a blissful dream. “Never mind,” said Mollie, putting an arm about Betty’s waist and giving it a little squeeze. “Just think how lovely it will be to see the boys in regular clothes again, and maybe,” with a sly glance at Betty, “by the time they come back they will have added one to their number.” “Goodness, I hope so!” said Betty, unashamed. In spite of some regret at not having the boys, the girls managed to enjoy themselves in the days that followed. They motored and swam and fished and hiked, and got as becomingly sunburned and tanned as young Indians. It was not until two or three days before the boys returned that anything untoward happened to disturb their peace of mind. Then one night the moon came out with such dazzling brilliance that Betty was seized with a strong desire to be out in it. “Let’s go for a moonlight swim,” she suggested excitedly, as they all stood on the porch of the lodge staring up through the trees to where the moon shone glitteringly down. “We haven’t done it since we came, and surely our vacation wouldn’t be complete without one.” “Or more,” said Mollie, seconding the plan with enthusiasm, “Come on. Let’s tell Mrs. Irving where we are going. Maybe she will wish to go along, but I doubt it.” Mollie was right: Mrs. Irving did not wish to go, and the girls rushed upstairs to don bathing suits in preparation for the lark. A few minutes later they were racing like slim young ghosts through the woods, laughing and calling to each other and entirely abandoned to the joy of the moment. “Race you to the old swimming hole,” Mollie called out, as they neared the river; and away they all raced in response to the challenge. Betty won, in spite of the fact that Mollie had had a short head start, and the girls, wild in their exuberance, would have lifted her to their shoulders had not Betty herself laughingly fought them off. “I have another challenge,” she cried. “My fresh box of candy to whoever swims to the other side of the swimming hole first. Are you on?” “We’re on!” yelled Grace enthusiastically, adding: “I’d swim from here to Jericho for that box of candy, Betty.” As a matter of fact, whether it was really the thought of the candy or whether it was because the other girls were tired from the last spurt, Grace really did get to the other side of the swimming pool first, and, pulling herself up on the other bank, dripping and triumphant, demanded the prize.