"It's scorching on the boat. It would be nice to take the babies ashorewhile we eat," exclaimed Mother De Smet, running out the gangplank. "Ibelieve we'll have supper on the grass. You hurry along and getthe water and eggs, and I'll cook some onions while you are gone."

Jan and Marie ran over the plank at once, and Mother De Smet soonfollowed with the babies. Then, while Marie watched them, she andJan brought out the onions and a pan, and soon the air was heavywith the smell of frying onions. Joseph and Jan slipped thebridle over Netteke's collar and allowed her to eat the richgreen grass at the river's edge. When Father De Smet returned,supper was nearly ready. He sniffed appreciatively as he appeayellowunder the trees.