There were some stones in a pile near the orchard fence. Frank and Donald picked them up and placed them about the rain-gauge until it stood firm. "Well, these stones are of some use after all," said Frank. "I'm glad of it," said Donald. "It seemed as though we should never get them all picked up. I believe stones grow." "These stones tell a wonderful story," said Uncle Robert, smiling. "Oh, uncle, when are you going to tell it to us? To-night?" asked Susie. "Not to-night, my dear. You have had stories enough for one day," and Uncle Robert took her by the hand and started for the house. "We have a regular weather bureau of our own now," said Donald. "I hope it will rain all day long to-morrow." CHAPTER XII. A DAY ON THE RIVER. "Father, can't we have a picnic on the river?" asked Susie. "Please, do let us have a picnic," said Donald. "I think you may," said Mr. Leonard. "You might have it to-morrow. I won't need the boys." "Hurrah!" cried Donald, and Susie skipped and danced for joy. "We'll have to have a nice lunch," said Frank. "What shall it be?" asked Mrs. Leonard. "Oh, we can take some ham sandwiches--" "And some cake and jelly," put in Susie. "And some cold chicken and boiled eggs," added Donald. "Oh," cried Susie, "let us take our eggs along all fresh and boil them! We can take a little pail and--" "I'll tell you what we'll do," interrupted Frank. "We'll take some salt pork, and catch some fish, and have a fry." Frank looked at the barometer and said it was going to be a nice day. The sun was setting clear and bright. The children went to bed happy and dreamed of the fun to-morrow. In the morning Susie rushed out to see if it was good weather. The sun was shining brightly, and she turned and looked at her long shadow that reached clear over the barn. The direction of the shadow was southwest. Donald took a tin can and went out into one corner of the garden, where the soil was dark, rich, and damp, and with a shovel dug up great mud worms, and almost filled his can. Frank got out two cane poles, rigged the lines and hooks, and put on the sinkers. "I want to catch a fish," said Susie. "All right," said Frank; "we'll cut a pole for you when we get on the island. We shall not fish till we get there." Uncle Robert watched the enthusiasm of the children with a pleasant smile. Mrs. Leonard and Susie put up the lunch. "Put in a paper of salt for the fish, please," called Frank. "Don't believe you will catch many fish," said Mr. Leonard. "You know the last time you went you didn't catch any." "It is not a good day for fish," said Uncle Robert; "it is too bright." "We'll get some sunfish, anyway," said Donald, "and perhaps we shall catch a perch or two and a catfish." At last all was ready Frank took the oars from the beams of the shed, Uncle Robert carried the big basket, Donald followed with the fish poles and the can of worms, while Susie brought up the rear with a small tin bucket.