“Don’t stir up any hornets’ nests, for instance,” and Captain Putnam smiled meaningly. “We’ll let hornets severely alone,” answered Jack with a laugh. Word was sent to the Fords that their kind invitation was accepted, and then the four cadets waited impatiently for the time for the picnic to arrive. They went in undress uniform, and it is safe to say that never did four lads brush up more or pay more attention to their shoes, collars and ties. “Jack is going to try to make the hit of his life,” said Pepper, with a grin. “You needn’t say a word,” was the answer, while the young major’s face grew red. “You’re grooming up as much as anybody.” “Andy has fixed his collar four times,” came from Dale. “Say, you keep on and you’ll have it dirty before you start.” “Well, the collar doesn’t fit the shirt-band!” growled the acrobatic youth. “I never saw such a collar anyway!” And he threw it aside and adjusted a fresh one. Promptly at the time appointed the launch _Emma_ appeared at a point of the shore near the encampment. On board were the Ford family, and the girls waved their handkerchiefs gaily at the cadets, who waved their caps in return. Then the launch came closer and the boys clambered aboard. “Oh, I am so glad the weather is fair!” cried Laura, after the greetings were over. “I thought last night it would rain!” “We looked at the sky about every ten minutes,” answered Pepper, and this caused a laugh. “Last night it looked as if we might not get here,” said Mr. Ford. “The engine of the launch broke down and the man had quite a time fixing it. But he finally got it to working.” “She don’t work just right yet,” put in the man who was running the craft. “But I reckon I can fix her while you folks are having your picnic.” Butterfly Island was a narrow strip of land lying some distance from the eastern shore of Lake Caboy. It was a well-wooded spot and used frequently by Sunday schools and societies for picnic purposes. Mr. Ford had learned that no picnic would be held that day, however, so they would have the island to themselves. “We’ll camp out in regular hunter style,” declared Flossie. “We brought a coffee pot and a frying pan, and you boys can build a big camp fire, and we’ll set the table, and all that! Won’t it be just too lovely for anything?” And her eyes beamed brightly. The launch ran slowly and it was nearly an hour before the island was reached. Then all went ashore, and the boys carried the things that had been brought along to a spot the girls picked out. This was on a high, grassy knoll that overlooked the southern end of the lake.