The boys met them outside
as they rushed down laughing and breathless, and ready for a good time.
"I hope it doesn't take the moon till twelve o'clock to show itself,"
said Will, as they made their way down the walk and on to the float
where the canoes were attached. "Mrs. Irving says that we are to be back
by ten o'clock at the latest."
"That will give us plenty of time," Frank answered. "Don't you remember
we saw it a little after seven last night?"
"It's lucky these canoes are eighteen feet long," said Allen, as he
unfastened the rope. "Otherwise we would have to take turns paddling."
"Who's going to do the work first?" asked Betty. Then she added: "I love
to paddle."
"If nobody has any objection," said Allen, "you shall. Grace, you drop
into the middle with Frank, until it comes your turn to do the work.
Betty may like it, but I must say I'd rather watch you people slave."
"All right, we'll go fifty-fifty with you," Frank agreed cheerily.
"Here, Grace, step in the middle--that's the way. Now we are all
settled. Let her go, Captain."
Allen swung himself into the stern, and deftly pushed the canoe clear of
the swaying float.
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