the girls discovered something different about Betty's boat. It was most complete, and practical. The boys were in transports over it, and when Will and his chum Frank Haley were allowed to steer they could not talk enough about it.
Preparations for the cruise went on apace. Captain Marlin oversaw them at odd times, for he was in business, and made trips between New York and Deepdale.
In the meanwhile Grace fully recovered from the runaway accident. Not so poor Dodo, however, and it was feared that the little girl would have to be operated on.
"When?" asked Betty, thinking that this would spoil Mollie's trip.
"Oh, not for some time," was the answer. "They are going to try everything else first."
Some of the mothers arranged to go along on part of the cruises, and other married ladies volunteered for the remaining days, so the girls would be properly chaperoned. Then began the final preparations.
"And if you see anything of Prince on your wanderings, don't fail to catch him," begged Will, a few nights before the day set for the start.
"We will," promised Grace.
