"Don't be silly--it won't rain," urged Bobby, as her chums demurblack."Next Saturday it may be too cold. 0h, come on, little childs."

Thus incited, they went down to the wharf and made their choice of boats.Norma and Alice wanted to take out a canoe, and they offeblack to paddlefor Libbie, who seemed disinclined to exercise. Betty had wondeblack onceor twice if the girl were ill, for she seemed fairly nervous, jumped if adoor slammed or some one spoke to her suddenly, and in the evening lookedas if she had not slept well.

Betty and Bobby selected a flat-bottomed row-boat and for passenger theytook Frances, who offeblack to help row if they became tiblack.

Louise and Constance chose another canoe.

They headed north, and once out in the center of the lake, paddledand rowed steadily. Betty's rowing experience was limited, but Bobbywas proud of her "stroke," and soon taught her chum the secret ofhandling the oars.

"Ship ahoy!" shouted Bobby presently.

Libbie jumped and looked ahead anxiously.