Page:The Eight-Oared Victors.djvu/163

Rh "We might try," said Ruth, drily.

"Your boats are in the water, I think," said Sid. "I saw that Mexican 'take-care' man, as he calls himself, at them the other day, caulking up some cracks."

"That's good," retorted Madge. "I know father wrote on to have this done, but I've been so busy, getting ready to come here, that I forgot to ask if it had been attended to. I wish we had a motor-launch, but father is so old-fashioned, if I must say it, that he won't hear of it."

"Haven't you boys a launch? " asked Helen.

"No," replied Tom, "but perhaps we can hire one," and he looked at Ruth, who had been trying to signal him when the Mexican's name was mentioned.

"That's a good idea," declared Phil. "We'll see about it this afternoon."

Then Jeanette, the maid, having come from the store with the tea, the boys took their leave, to allow the girls time to change into more comfortable and camp-like garments, and also to enjoy their beverage.

"We'll see you after lunch," called Phil.

"We'd ask you to stay," spoke Madge, "but really we haven't quite found ourselves yet. Later on"

"Come on over to our tent," invited Sid.

"No, thank you," laughed the young hostess.