"Bravo! The Jolly Pioneer is a new recruit enlisted into the
temperance cadet corps," said Uncle Gerald, laughing.
There was a shifting of planks by Rob and Jack, and in another moment
the little craft was dancing gaily upon the bright waters.
"Hurrah, hurrah!" cried the boys in chorus.
By turns they rowed a short distance down the stream and back. There
was no danger of sinking this time. Then they gathered under the tree,
where Mrs. Gordon and Uncle Gerald had unpacked the basket and set
forth a tempting lunch upon a tablecloth on the grass. As hunger is
said to be the best sauce, so good-humor sweetens the simplest fare.
Our friends enjoyed their sandwiches and doughnuts, and milk rich with
cream, as much as if a banquet had been spread before them. There was
plenty of fun, too; and though the wit was not very brilliant, it was
innocent and kindly, and served its purpose; for the company were quite
ready to be pleased at any one's effort to be entertaining or amusing.
After an hour or more, Mrs. Gordon announced her intention of returning
to the house.
"And I must be off also; for I have to drive two or three miles up
country, about some business," added her brother.
Pages:
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91