The final preparations were made, the sailor suits were pronounced quite “chicken” by Will—­ he meant “chic,” of course.  Trunks had been packed, some provisions put aboard, and all was in readiness.  Uncle Amos planned to meet the girls later, and see that all was going well.  The boys were to be given a treat some time after Rainbow Lake was reached, word to be sent to them of this event.

“All aboard!” cried Betty on the morning of the start.  It was a glorious, sunshiny day, quite warm, but there was a cool breeze on the river.  “All aboard!”

“Oh, I just know I’ve forgotten something!” declared Grace,

“Your candy?” questioned Mollie.

“No, indeed.  Don’t be horrid!”

“I’m not.  Only I thought——­ "

“I’m just tired of thinking!” returned Betty.

“Shall I cast off?” asked Will, who, with Frank, had come down to the dock to see the girls start.

“Don’t you dare!” cried Mollie.  “I’m sure I forgot to bring my——­ " She made a hurried search among her belongings.  “No, I have it!” and she sighed in relief.  She did not say what it was.

“All aboard!” cried Betty, giving three blasts on the compressed air whistle.

“Don’t forget to send us word,” begged Frank.  “We want to join you on the lake.”

“We’ll remember,” promised Betty, with a smile that showed her white, even teeth.

All was in readiness.  Good-byes had been said to relatives and friends, and Mrs. Billette, holding Paul by the hand, had come down to the dock to bid farewell to her daughter and chums.

“Have a good time!” she wished them.

A maid hurried up to her, and said something in French.

“Oh, the doctor has come!” exclaimed Mollie’s mother.  “The doctor who is to look at Dodo—­ the specialist.  Oh, I am so glad!”

“Shall I stay, mother?” cried Mollie, making a move as though to come ashore.

“No, dear; no!  Go with your friends.  I can send you word.  You may call me by the telephone.  Good-bye—­ good-bye!”

The Gem slowly dropped down the stream under the influence of the current and her own power, Betty having throttled down the motor that the farewell calls might be better heard.  Mrs. Billette, waving her hand, hastened toward the house, the maid taking care of little Paul, whose last request was: 

“Brin’ me some tandy!”

CHAPTER X

 Adrift

“Well, Captain Betty, what are your orders?” asked Amy, as the four girls, and Aunt Kate, stood grouped in the space aft of the trunk cabin, Betty being at the wheel, while the Gem moved slowly down the Argono River.

“Just make yourselves perfectly at home,” answered Betty.  “This trip is for fun and pleasure, and, as far as possible, we are to do just as we please.  You don’t mind; do you, Aunt Kate?”

“Not in the least, my dear, as long as you don’t sink,” and the chaperone smiled indulgently.