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."
"That's Betty Nelson—all over," said Amy.
Eel Island proved to be an ideal picnic place, and there were one or two other parties on it when the girls arrived. They made the Gem secure, and struck off into the woods with their lunch baskets, Betty having removed a certain patented spark plug, without which the motor could not be started. It was not likely that anyone would be able to duplicate it and make off with the craft in their absence, 60 they felt it safe to leave the boat unguarded.
"Pass the olives, Grace my dear," requested Mollie, when they were seated on a grassy knoll under a big oak tree. "I have the crackers beside me. Now I am happy," and she munched the appetizing combination.
"Crackers and olives!" murmured Betty. "Our old schoolday feast. I haven't gotten over my love for them, either. Let them circulate, Mollie."
The girls were making merry with quip and jest when Grace, hearing a crackling of under-
