At the meeting he was informed by Tim that he had been admitted to the society on account of his knowledge of boats.  They could not get along without such a fellow; and he was accordingly appointed “master of marine,” and second in command to Tim himself.  These honors and compliments reconciled him to the society of the Rovers, and he began to exhibit his energy of purpose in directing the details of the next week’s operations.

Saturday was appointed as the day for stocking the island with provisions and other necessaries, ready for the reception of the entire party on Sunday night.  Tim and Charles were to attend to this duty in person.

“Meet me at eight o’clock in the morning over by Joe Braman’s landing, Charley, and—­”

“But school keeps; I can’t go till afternoon.”

“And then the Zephyrs will see what we are about.”

“I can’t help it.”

“Yes you can; can’t you ’hook Jack’?”

“I dare not.”

“Humph!  You are an idiot!  Tell the fellows to-morrow that you are going over to your uncle’s, and they will tell the master.”

Charles consented, after some argument.

“I will get Joe’s boat, and we can pull off to the island and get the money.”

“Where will you buy the things?”

“We must go down to Rippleton.  You must get some, and I will get some.  We will buy them at different stores, so no one will know but what they are for the folks.”

“And the tent?”

“We will get a piece of cotton cloth for that, and some needles and thread.  Leave all that to me.  Now, be on hand in season.”

“One thing, Tim:  I may be seen in Rippleton.”

“No matter if you are.  Bluff ’em off if they say anything.”

The Rovers were to “rendezvous”—­Tim had found this word in the “Adventures of the Bold Buccaneer”—­at nine o’clock on Sunday evening at the wood.  The arrangements were all completed, and the band dispersed.

On Saturday Charles was true to his appointment, and met Tim on the north side of the lake.  The money was procured, and the provisions were safely deposited in the boat.  It is true, Charles was so much embarrassed that he well-nigh betrayed the existence of the plot to the shopkeepers; and he was very glad when this part of the business was done.

Then a new difficulty presented itself.  Suppose the Zephyrs should visit Center Island that afternoon and discover the stores!  They had not thought of this before, and the risk was too great to be incurred.  They decided to conceal their stores on the main shore till night, and then carry them off.  A convenient place was found for this purpose, and the articles were landed.

They then repaired to the island to mature their plans.

“Now, where shall we pitch the tent?” asked Charles, when they landed.

“On the high ground near the beach.”

“We have no poles.  Here is the May-pole; that will do for one.”