There proved to be one, who, for a small fee, would see that no unauthorized persons entered the Gem.  Then the girls, attiring themselves in their “shore togs,” as Betty expressed it, went to see the moving pictures.

“What will we do to-morrow?” asked Grace, as they came out, having had two hours of enjoyment.

“I was thinking of a little picnic ashore,” answered Betty.  “There are some lovely places on the banks of the lake, to say nothing of the several small islands.  We can cruise about a bit, and then go ashore with our lunch.  Or, if any of you have any other plan, don’t hesitate to mention it.  I want you girls to have a good time.”

“As if we weren’t having it, Little Captain!” cried Mollie with an impulsive embrace.  “The picnic by all means, and please let’s take plenty of crackers and olives.”

“Talk about me eating candy,” mocked Grace, “you are as bad on olives.”

“Well, they’re not so bad for one as candy.”

“I don’t know about that.”

“Oh, don’t argue!” begged quiet little Amy.  “Let’s talk about the picnic.”

It was arranged that they should have an informal one, and the next morning, after an uneventful night—­ save that Grace awakened them all by declaring someone was coming aboard, when it proved to be only a frightened dog—­ the next morning they started off again, leaving word with the dock watchman, who did boat repairing, that they would be back late that afternoon.

They had made some inquiries, and decided to go ashore on Eel Island, so named from its long, narrow shape.  There was a small dock there, which made it easy for the Gem to land her passengers, since she drew a little too much water to get right up to shore.

The girls cruised about Rainbow Lake, being saluted many times by other craft, the occupants of which seemed to admire Betty’s fine boat.  In turn she answered with the regulation three blasts of the air whistle.  At several private docks, the property of wealthy cottagers, could be seen signs of preparation for the coming water carnival.  The boat houses were being decorated, and in some cases elaborate schemes of ornamentation were under way for the boats themselves.

“It looks as though it would be nice,” remarked Mollie.

“Yes, I think we shall enjoy it,” agreed Betty.

They stopped at one cottage, occupied by a Mrs. Ralston, whom Betty knew slightly.  Mrs. Ralston wanted the girls and Aunt Kate to stay to lunch, but they told of their picnic plans.  They wanted to inquire about Mr. Stone and Mr. Kennedy, and they were all glad to learn that the two young men were held in the highest esteem, and were given a great deal of credit for their hard work in connection with the lake pageant.

“And to think they could be so unfeeling as to make Prince run away and cause all that trouble,” observed Mollie, as they were again aboard the boat.

“Perhaps it was not they, or there may be some explanation of their conduct,” suggested Betty.  “We must not judge too hastily.”