The morning was spent in and
around the yacht, where Tom and some of the others amused themselves
by shooting off their pistols and some firecrackers. Tom had purchased
some things for the Fourth the day previous and he had one package
which he was careful to keep out of sight.
"I am going to have a barrel of fun with the girls," he said to his
brothers. "But don't tell anybody about it."
"What is it?" asked his younger brother.
"Wait and see."
It had been arranged that the whole party should have an early lunch,
so that they might start on the automobile ride by one o'clock. Aleck
was in charge of the dining room of the yacht and he had spread
himself in trimming it with red, white and blue streamers and small
flags.
"Oh, how lovely!" cried Dora, as she came in and sat down. "I declare,
Aleck, you deserve a great deal of credit." And she gave the colored
man a smile which pleased him immensely.
"Where is Tom?" asked Mr. Rover, after all the others were seated.
"I ton't know," answered Hans. "Tidn't he know ve vos to eat a leetle
early to tay?"
"He's coming," answered Sam.
Just then Tom came into the dining room holding something in his hand
covered with a long paper bag.
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