"How long is the lake?" questioned Harriet.

"About thirty miles in a straight line, I believe."

"Thirty miles," groaned Crazy Jane.

"Oh, help!" moaned Margery.

"Thave uth!" lisped Grace.

"I thought you girls wanted recreation and exercise," laughed the
guardian.

"Why, of course we do, Miss Elting," declared Harriet.

"Of course," agreed Jane, nodding. "But dragging a house all around a
thirty-mile lake is neither exercise nor recreation. It's hard labor. If
you don't think so just get out and drag us around this cove
once--_Once!_"

"I have a plan," announced Harriet.

"It's a good one, if Harriet Burrell thought it out," returned Miss
Elting smilingly. "What is your plan, Harriet?"

"Some of you may not like the idea, but it is an excellent one, I am
sure. This is my idea. When we decide to cross the lake, if we do, I
would suggest waiting until some day when the wind is blowing directly
across. Then we can tow the 'Red Rover' out with the rowboat until the
wind catches us. The rower should then get aboard the houseboat, after