Max wanted to try camping out for a few weeks in company with Harold and Herbert Travilla and Bob Johnson, but preferred to wait until his father should leave them, not feeling willing to miss the rare pleasure of his society.  And the other lads, quite fond of the captain themselves, did not object to waiting.

In the mean time they went blue-fishing (trying it by both accepted modes—­the “heave and haul” from a rowboat or at anchor, and trolling from a yacht under full sail), hunting, eel-bobbing, and perch-fishing.

The ladies sometimes went with them on their fishing excursions; Zoe and Betty oftener than any of the others.  Lulu went, too, whenever she was permitted, which was usually when her father made one of the party.

“We haven’t been on a ‘squantum’ yet,” remarked Betty, one evening, addressing the company in general; “suppose we try that to-morrow.”

“Suppose you first tell us what a ‘squantum’ is,” said Mrs. Dinsmore.

“Oh, Aunt Rose, don’t you know that that is the Nantucket name for a picnic?”

“I acknowledge my ignorance,” laughed the older lady; “I did not know it till this moment.”

“Well, auntie, it’s one of those typical things that every conscientious summer visitor here feels called upon to do as a regular part of the Nantucket curriculum.  How many of us are agreed to go?” glancing about from one to another.

Not a dissenting voice was raised, and Betty proceeded to unfold her plans.  Vehicles sufficient for the transportation of the whole party were to be provided, baskets of provisions also; they would take an early start, drive to some pleasant spot near the beach or one of the ponds, and make a day of it—­sailing, or rather rowing about the pond, fishing in it, cooking and eating what they caught (fish were said to be so delicious just out of the water and cooked over the coals in the open air), and lounging on the grass, drinking in at the same time the sweet, pure air and the beauties of nature as seen upon Nantucket moors and hills, and in glimpses of the surrounding sea.

“Really, Betty, you grow quite eloquent,” laughed her brother; “Nantucket has inspired you.”

“I think it sounds ever so nice,” said little Grace.  “Won’t you go and take us, papa?”

“Yes, if Mamma Vi will go along,” he answered, with an affectionate look at his young wife; “we can’t go without her, can we, Gracie?”

“Oh, no, indeed! but you will go, mamma, won’t you?”

“If your papa chooses to take me,” Violet said, in a sprightly tone.  “I think it would be very pleasant, but I cannot either go or stay unless he does; for I am quite resolved to spend every one of the few days he will be here, close at his side.”

“And as all the rest of us desire the pleasure of his company,” said her mother, “his decision must guide ours.”

“There, now, captain,” cried Betty, “you see it all rests with you; so please say yes, and let us begin our preparations.”