The girls declared they would not go at all unless Harriet went with them.

“That matter already has been settled,” replied Miss Elting.  “I am the one who will remain aboard the ‘Red Rover.’  Harriet, you will chaperon the girls on the motor boat ride.  That will settle the objections, and you will be every bit as good a chaperon as myself.”

The arrangement did not wholly satisfy the Meadow-Brook Girls.  All were very fond of their guardian, and they wished her to have a part in all their enjoyments.  They had not fully decided upon going when they retired.

“I wonder if those boys are planning anything for to-night?” mused Miss Elting, a moment after turning out the lights.

“Yes,” answered Harriet confidently, as if she had been consulted.

“What?” demanded a chorus of voices.

“They are planning to go to bed.  I saw them fixing the fire, just before I got into bed.”

“Oh, fudge!” groaned Margery.

“Thave me!” wailed Tommy.

Jane suggested that Harriet ought to have a ducking, then one by one the girls dropped off to sleep.

The clock that Harriet consulted showed the hour to be ten minutes after midnight.  She had awakened suddenly, and with a feeling that something were not as it should be.  The girl rose softly, peering through the window.  The “Red Rover” was lying very quietly, there being little movement of the water.  No one was about, nor was there a boat in sight.  She stepped out on the deck, glancing about in all directions, her eyes finally fixing themselves on the camp of the Tramp Club.

“Those boys are up and moving about,” she mused.  “They have stirred up the fire.”  Just then the girl heard the rattle of an oar in a rowboat.  The sound seemed to come from the camp.  Harriet watched a few minutes.  Then turning quickly she went inside.

“What is it?” demanded Miss Elting sharply.  “Who is it?”

“Harriet.  Those boys are awake, and, I think, getting ready to come out on the lake.  I believe they are up to something.”

“What do you suspect?”

“I don’t know.  Would it not be wise to awaken the girls and all get dressed?  We don’t want to be caught napping, you know.”

“I should say not,” agreed the guardian.  She got up and went to the window.  Their conversation had been carried on in so low a tone that none of the others had been awakened.  Miss Elting gazed keenly; then, bringing her glasses, peered through them at the camp of the tramps.  “Yes, they are up to mischief of some sort,” she decided, lowering the glasses and laying them aside.  “Girls!”

“Wha—­wha-at?” cried Jane, her feet landing on the floor almost ere the words were out of her mouth.

Tommy hopped out of bed a few seconds behind Crazy Jane, but instead of landing on her feet, the little girl went sprawling on the floor on her face.

“Thave me!  Are we thinking?” she cried.