“I did nearly drown, didn’t I?”

“You did, as thoroughly as one could and yet live to tell of it,” replied Miss Elting, her voice husky.

“I had unfastened all the straps save the third one,” began Harriet.  “By that time the trunk was standing on end.  It was very buoyant.  The idea never occurred to me that there was any danger from the trunk.  I was too much concerned wondering if I shouldn’t have to open my mouth, for my lungs were nearly bursting.  Well, I gave the last strap a jerk and I think the buckle must have pulled off, for the end of the trunk flew up and hit me on the head.”

“But how did you get wedged under the car springs?” interrupted the guardian.  “I found you there.”

“I don’t know.  I don’t remember anything that occurred after I was hit by the trunk until I began to realize that some one was working over me, and that I wished to be let alone.  I was so comfortable that I did not wish to be disturbed.”

“Thave me!” exclaimed Tommy.

“How long did you work over me?”

“More than an hour,” replied Miss Elting.

“Then I really was just about drowned, was I not?” questioned Harriet, her eyes growing large.

“You were.”

Harriet Burrell pondered a moment, then lifted a pair of serious brown eyes to her companions.

“I am glad I had the experience,” she said, “but I am sorry I made so much trouble.  I feel all right now, and strong enough for almost anything.  When do we start for the Cove?”

“At once.  I hear the boy coming.  Do you think you are really ready?”

“I know I am.  But I believe I will have another cup of coffee before we start.  Did we rescue all of our equipment?”

“Some of it has been lost, but that doesn’t matter so long as we have you safe and sound, yes, there is the boy.  Hoo-e-e-e!” called the guardian.

“Ye-o-o-w!” answered the boy promptly.  They saw him turn into the byway.  The horse he was driving was so thin that every rib stood out plainly.  The democrat wagon was all squeaks and groans, its wheels being so crooked that the girls thought they were going to come off.

“You must help us to get our things aboard,” said Miss Elting.  “Will your wagon hold them all?”

“If it doesn’t break down,” was the reply.

“Well, some of us can walk.”

The boy backed his rickety wagon down near where the belongings of the Meadow-Brook Girls lay in a tumbled heap.  Jane assisted him in loading the equipment, amazing the country boy by her strength and quickness.

“You going to camp, eh?” he questioned.

“We don’t know what we are going to do,” replied Jane.  “We’re likely to do almost anything that happens to enter our minds as well as some things that don’t enter our minds.  Stow that package under the seat forward; yes, that way.  There.  Do you think of anything else, Miss Elting!”