For several moments they splashed about in the shallow water, then, scrambling aboard their houseboat, enjoyed brisk rub downs, after which their appetites were sufficiently sharpened to cause them to hurry the breakfast with all possible speed.  They ate under the light of the lamp that hung from the cabin ceiling.  Had the foliage not been so wet they would have permitted the “Red Rover” to drift out from under the rocks, but it was decided that the trees were too wet for this, so they ate in the darkened cave.

Immediately after breakfast they put on their old khaki skirts, that they had worn part of the time on their long tramp across country the previous season, and started out on their deferred exploring trip about the island.  Exclamations of delight were frequent.  The island was full of rocky nooks and dells; there were numerous wild flowers, while in the great trees that overhung the shore of the island an occasional squirrel whisked back and forth.

“It really is the Island of Delight!” cried Crazy Jane.  “How I wish my dear old dad were here!  Wouldn’t he want to buy this island?  I’m going to ask him to come here some day, but I’m afraid he’ll say he hasn’t the time.”

“This island is too large to explore this morning,” declared Miss Elting.

“It may take some days,” Harriet nodded, as they strolled about, “but it will be delightful work.”

On the outer side they discovered evidences that picnic parties had been there.  And then they came upon the remains of a campfire, but it was a small one, as though there had been but a solitary camper, and that some time back.

“I hope no one comes while we’re here,” murmured Margery.

“How selfish!” laughed Hazel.

By seven o’clock the delighted girls began to retrace their steps toward the houseboat.

“Now, let’s go down to the shore and take a look out over the lake,” proposed Harriet, and this was done.

There were several boats in sight, but at the distance these looked like mere specks.  A large excursion steamer was passing in the middle of the lake.  Feeling quite certain that they were in no danger of being discovered the girls found a place in the sunlight and there sat down to bask in the pleasant warmth of the sun.

“Get back, at once!” cried Harriet, suddenly springing to her feet, then crouching.  “We don’t want to be seen.”

The girls retreated up the shore in some confusion, not stopping to ask questions until they were concealed.

“Oh, now I hear it,” cried Hazel.  “A motor boat coming!  Do you think it’s the one the boys are using?”

“I don’t know,” Harriet replied, “but it’s heading straight for the island, and we must be ready to seek hiding on the ‘Red Rover.’”

Anxious eyes peered through the bushes, watching the approaching boat for some time.

“It is the boys!” announced Miss Elting finally.