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Page 26
"We've come to see Miss Jennie Ann Jones," caroled a voice, and in the
next instant the bewildered teacher was surrounded by four tired but
smiling girls.
"We were locked up all night in a log cabin in the woods," began Madge.
"Do say you are glad to see us and give us some breakfast, Miss Jennie
Ann Jones, for we were never so hungry in all our lives before, and as
soon as we have something to eat, we'll tell you the strangest story
you ever heard."
With her arm thrown across the teacher's shoulders Madge made her way
to the houseboat, followed by her friends. At that moment, to the
little, impulsive girl, Miss Jennie Ann Jones seemed particularly dear,
in spite of her mysterious ways, and Madge made mental resolve to try
to believe in their chaperon, no matter what happened.
CHAPTER IX
THE GIRL ON THE ISLAND
"Phil, it looks like only a little more than half a mile over to the
island. Do you think we can make it?" asked Madge, casting speculative
eyes toward the distant island.
"Of course we can," declared Phyllis. "I'm sorry that Eleanor and Miss
Jones did not come with us. But they have become so domestic that they
can't be persuaded to leave the houseboat. Nelly told me she
positively loved to polish kettles and things," Phil replied.
Lillian, Phyllis and Madge were in their own rowboat, the "Water
Witch," which had been expressed to them from Harborpoint. They were
no longer in the quiet inlet of the bay, where their houseboat was
anchored, but rowing out toward the more open water. On one side of
them they could see the beach in front of a large summer hotel. Across
from it lay a small island, to which they were rowing.
"Miss Jones doesn't like to have us start off alone this way. She has
grown dreadfully nervous about us since our experience in the cabin,"
remarked Lillian. "That is why she didn't approve of Madge's plan this
morning."
"I thought Madge was going to fly into little bits when Miss Jones
suggested it was not safe for us to row about here in our own little
'Water Witch,'" teased Phil.
"Phil, please don't discuss my temper," answered Madge crossly. "If
there is one thing I hate worse than another, it is to hear people talk
about my faults. Of course, I know I have a perfectly detestable
temper, but I hardly said a word to Miss Jenny Ann. Please tell me
what fun we could have on our holiday if we never dared to go ten feet
away from the houseboat?"
"None whatever," answered Lillian, "only you needn't be so cross with
Phil and me. We were not discussing your faults. You are altogether
too ready to become angry over a trifle." There was indignation and
reproof in Lillian's tone.
Madge plied her oars in silence. She knew that she had behaved badly.
"Isn't it exactly like me?" she thought to herself. "If I am sweet and
agreeable one minute, and feel pleased with myself, I can surely count
on doing something disagreeable the next. Now I have made Lillian and
Phil cross with me and probably have hurt Miss Jenny Ann's feelings and
spoiled this beautiful day for us all."
Eleanor's soft voice broke in upon her self-arraignment. "Don't
squabble, girls. The day is altogether too perfect. None of you are
really cross. Now, are you?"
Three pairs of eyes met hers, then the little dispute ended in a
general laugh.
Madge and Phil rowed faster than ever after this little falling out.
They could see the shores of Fisherman's Island not far ahead, with
several dories and small fishing craft anchored along the banks. They
were heading toward an open beach, where there was no sign of life.
"Girls, look out!" warned Lillian. She was sitting in the bow of their
skiff, and could see another rowboat moving toward them, the two pairs
of oars rising and falling in perfect accord. The boat was so close to
them that Lillian was afraid Phil and Madge might cross oars with it.
But as the other boat glided smoothly up alongside of their skiff, the
oars were drawn swiftly inboard, almost before the girls knew what had
happened.
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