Part 21 (1/2)

”They probably rose from the sea like Neptune,” scoffed George.

The ”Red Rover” lay idly rising and falling on the slight swell, standing out a glistening flame in the bright morning sunlight. There were no signs of life on board. The boat was anch.o.r.ed some distance from the camp occupied by the boys, but not far out from the sh.o.r.e of the island. Naturally the houseboat was a little distance from the secret channel.

”Come on, fellows, let's go out and see them,” urged Larry enthusiastically.

George gave him a withering look.

”The girls are not yet up. Can't you see that? A fine opinion of us they would have, were we to go out there at this hour. Do you know what time it is?”

”I can't see well enough in the morning to tell the time of day,”

replied Larry, with a wry twist of his mouth.

”Well, it is a quarter after five.”

The boys groaned.

”Fine time to get a party of gentlemen out of bed,” growled Sam. ”What are we going to do about it, anyway?”

”You fellows are going to take a cold plunge, then get into your clothes. We will have breakfast. I will start the fire while you are bathing.”

The boys hurried into their bathing suits, and with many a shout and yell, plunged into the lake. They were making all the noise they could, hoping to attract the attention of the girls so as to have the opportunity to get out to the houseboat as early as possible. But eagerly as the lads gazed up the lake, the houseboat showed no activity.

”They must be good sleepers over there,” said Larry.

Captain George smiled to himself.

”They are only shamming,” he muttered under his breath.

Breakfast was served about an hour later. The fire warmed the boys, and the coffee and food did likewise. After they had finished their breakfast they were in great good humor. At half past eight, there still being no signs of life on board the houseboat, Billy declared that he was going out in the launch to see if he couldn't stir up something.

All hands piled into the launch. It was a matter of only a few moments to run to the houseboat. The boys circled the scow slowly, talking loudly. The windows of the house were open, the curtains flapping in the gentle breeze, but the doors at either end were tightly closed.

Having failed to attract any attention from the ”Red Rover” the Tramp Boys returned to camp, tied up the motor boat and sat down to watch and wait. Nine o'clock came, then ten, but still no sign of life on board.

Captain George grew a little uneasy. He did not know that the Meadow-Brook Girls had eaten their breakfast more than an hour before that, and that the girls were watching the boys, chuckling over the perplexity of the latter.

Once more the motor boat was taken out. As they neared the houseboat for a second time they saw Harriet Burrell come out to the after deck, and stooping over examine the anchor rope.

”Halloo, there!” shouted George.

Harriet paid no attention to the ”halloo.” Apparently she did not hear them. George called again, and when Harriet turned and entered the house, without having once glanced in George's direction, he grew red in the face.

”She didn't hear you,” chuckled Larry. ”You didn't yell loudly enough.

Why didn't you let me give them a roar? I'll guarantee to attract the attention of any one within half a mile of me.”

”Run alongside, Billy. I'm going to make somebody notice me.”

Billy grinned, then steered the launch up close to the ”Red Rover.”

George rapped on the deck of the scow with a boathook. He had rapped several times, and was again getting red in the face when some one appeared. It was Harriet, who finally opened the door and peered out.

Her face wore an expression of disapproving inquiry.