say that the town nestled in a bend of the Argono River, a few miles
above where that stream widened out into beautiful and picturesque
Rainbow Lake. Then the river continued on its way again, increasing
into quite a large body of water. On the river and lake plied many
pleasure craft, and some built for trade, in which they competed with
a railroad that connected with the main line to New York. In Rainbow
Lake were a number of islands, the largest-- Triangle-- obviously so
called, being quite a summer resort.

Our four girls lived near each other in fine residences, that of
Mollie's mother being on the bank of the river. Deepdale was a
thriving community, in the midst of a fertile farming section.

The summer sun glinted in alternate shadows and brilliant patches on
Grace Ford as she hurried out to her friends on the lawn, after
receiving the message from her brother Will.

"What happened?" asked Mollie, for it was evident from the expression
on the face of the approaching girl that something out of the ordinary
had been the import of the message.

"Oh, it was Will. He---- "

"Did he 'fess up' about the chocolates?" inquired Mollie.

"No, but he's going to treat us to a three-pound box. I 'phoned down
for them. They'll be here soon, and you girls can enjoy them while I'm
gone."

"Gone!" echoed Betty, blankly. "Where are you going, pray tell?"