“And it came just in time to stop me from telling what might have spoiled your plans, Grace,” said Mollie, when they went back to gather up their lunch baskets.

“Well, I haven’t any plans.  I am going to let father or Will make them, after I send the information,” she answered, “But I think it best to let the two young men remain in ignorance, for a while.”

“Oh, I do, too!” exclaimed Betty.  “They will probably not refer to it again, being so busy over the regatta.”

There was a busy time for the girls, too.  They finally decided to convert the Gem, as nearly as possible under the circumstances, into a Venetian gondola.  By building a light wooden framework about it, and tacking on muslin, this could be done without too much labor.  Betty engaged the help of a man and boy, and with the girls to aid the work was soon well under way.

The girls saw little of Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Stone—­ save passing glimpses—­ after the picnic.  Grace telephoned to her father, who promised to at once look into the matter.

“I do hope we win a prize!” exclaimed Mollie, on the evening of the regatta.  “The Gem looks lovely!”

“Yes, I think it is rather nice,” admitted Betty.

The muslin, drawn tightly over the temporary frame, had been painted until in the dark the boat bore a striking resemblance to a gondola, even to the odd prow in front.  It was arranged that Grace should stand at the stern with a long oar, or what was to pass for it, while Betty would run the motor and do the real steering.  Mollie, Amy, and Aunt Kate were to be passengers.  Mollie borrowed a guitar and there was to be music and singing as they took part in the water pageant.

“Well, it’s time to start,” announced Betty after supper.  “We’ll light the Chinese lanterns after we get to our place in line,” for the boats were to be illuminated.

The Gem started off, being in the midst of many craft, all more or less decorated, that were to take part in the affair.

CHAPTER XV

 The race

Like the scene from some simulated fairyland, or a stage picture, was the water pageant on Rainbow Lake.  In double lines the motor boats moved slowly along from the starting point toward the float where the judges were stationed to decide which craft was entitled to the prize in its own class.

“Oh, I’m so glad we entered!” cried Betty, as she stood at the wheel.  Because of the cloth side of the “gondola” it appeared that she was merely reclining at her ease, as did the Venetian ladies of old, for a seat with cushions had been arranged near the steering wheel.

“Oh, see that boat—­ just like an airship!” exclaimed Mollie, as they saw just ahead of them a craft so decorated.

“And here’s one that looks just like a floating island, with trees and bushes,” added Amy.  “That ought to take a prize.”