“I wish we might,” she said, rising; “but there are so many events planned at Silvertown that if we want the lake and an audience we have to ask for a date months ahead. No,” she concluded sadly, “the thing will have to go on--unless--of course----”
“No! No! Don’t say it, Captain!” cried Lily, in distress, “Let’s believe nothing dreadful could happen!”
“I hope not,” Miss Phillips replied. “Suppose we turn in now, girls, so we can get an early start to-morrow.”
“And see Marj and Frieda and Silvertown all at once!” exclaimed Ruth; and the cheerful tone of her words brought a ray of hope to those less optimistic.
Miss Phillips had expected that, in accordance with their schedule, they might reach Silvertown by Saturday night. But this, of course, was now impossible; and a wire on Sunday morning preceded them to announce their arrival for five o’clock.
All day long they paddled steadily. At first they seemed silent and rather depressed; but as they neared Silvertown their excitement increased, and they grew more and more hopeful of finding their lost companions. It was Ruth Henry who encouraged this spirit, rejoicing inwardly at the disappointment they were soon to encounter. She was glad that she had managed to include Frieda in the scheme, for she had never cared for the country girl, and was thankful for an opportunity to “put her in her place,” as she said. It was ridiculous of Miss Phillips to think of allowing such a person to take part in an event at Silvertown, and she was pleased over the chance to exclude her. But Frieda and Marjorie, and, in fact, all the other scouts, would be forever unaware of the real cause of the adventure.
“One hour more!” observed Lily looking at her watch. “And we’ll see Marj.”
“One hour more!” said Ruth, “and we’ll see our house, and Silvertown!”
“One hour more!” echoed Doris, “and we’ll know who is giving us our wonderful trip!”
“One hour more!” added Miss Phillips, “and you’ll get the surprise of your life!”
“Oh, what, Captain?” asked Ruth, with intense interest.
“Or perhaps I had better say _surprises_!” she corrected. “For there will be more than one!”
The creek had become wider now, and it was more difficult to handle the canoes. But the girls put forth great effort, even succeeding in increasing their speed, so anxious were they to reach their destination. The scenery was lovely; now and then there were attractive bungalows along the water’s edge. The girls watched impatiently for signs of Silvertown.