The Mystery on Cobbett's Island

going over tonight?”
    “You’re right, Trix,” said Diana, “but how can we work it? I don’t think we should all go, do you?”
    “That’s a thought, Di,” Trixie said with a frown. “With Peter and all of us, there would be seven, and if we barge in there, everyone’s going to notice us and wonder what’s up.”
    “I agree,” Brian said seriously. “Besides, someone from the island would be sure to spot Peter. The story of the Coast Guard rescuing us will spread like wildfire, and if those two are there, they’ll get suspicious.”
    “Well, who’s to go?” asked Peter., “I agree it would be taking a chance for me to go. How do you Bob-Whites decide a thing like this?”
    “Oh, we don’t have any set procedure. Usually someone starts out with a vague idea, and we kick it around for a while and come up with a solution. It’s as simple as that.”
    “I suggest that our capable president and copresident be assigned to this dangerous mission,” said Mart. “I know my darling sibling is secretly dying to go, and who could offer her better protection than our stalwart Jim?”
    “But remember, I never saw the yellow boat,” answered Jim, “and much as I’d like to go, I wouldn’t be of much use, I’m afraid.”
    “Oh, that doesn’t matter,” Trixie quickly replied. “I’d know those two if I met them on a dark night in China! Come on, Jim, say you’ll go.”
    “Okay, but there’s another problem. How are we going to get there?” Jim queried. “I don’t know what car we would use. Pete’s would be too conspicuous.”
    Trixie thought for a minute, and then, snapping her fingers, she said, “I have it. We’ll ask Tom to drive us all down in the station wagon. We can park a little distance from Jimmy’s Place, and Jim and I can walk from there. Then, if there should be any trouble, you’ll all be close enough to hear if we give the Bob-White whistle.”
    “That’s a great idea, sis,” said Brian. “Now all we have to do is get you two dressed up, and we’ll be all set.”
    While they quickly ate the delicious pot roast and vegetables that the cook had kept hot for them, they told Miss Trask about their plan, and she agreed to let them go if Tom would drive them. As usual, when the Bob-Whites needed him, Tom was more than willing to help.
    “Now, let’s see,” said Trixie thoughtfully. “Jim really ought to be wearing jeans that are two sizes too small and a leather jacket, but none of us has one.”
    “I have a very old black jacket,” volunteered Tom, who had been called in to hear about the project. “I brought it along to wear when I work on the car. You’re welcome to it if it’ll be of any use.”
    “Wonderful, Tom; thanks a lot!” Honey replied. “It’ll be just what Jim needs.”
    “I‘ll bet if Jim tries, he can wriggle into a pair of Mart’s jeans,” added Diana.
    “Just you be careful not to stretch them,” said Mart, pretending to be serious. “I’m very particular about sartorial details, you know.”
    “Oh, we know, Beau Brummel. You always are the mirror of fashion,” said Brian. “Look at you now!” And everyone pretended to admire Mart’s dirty sneakers, unpressed jeans, and badly spotted sweat shirt.
    “Go on, all of you. Clothes don’t make the man,” Mart retorted.
    “You’re right; they don’t,” Jim remarked, “but they sometimes give a pretty good indication of what a person thinks of himself. Take those two boatmen, for example. They may be perfectly good boys, potentially, but they picture themselves as desperate characters and act accordingly.”
    No one noticed that Trixie had left the room with Tom. When she returned a few minutes later, everyone shrieked! She was wearing Jim’s biggest sweater, which, on her, came way down below her hips. Her curly hair was hidden under a black scarf, and she was wearing a tight black skirt Celia had lent her. Her eyes, made up with eyebrow pencil and mascara, looked completely unnatural.
    “Trixie Belden, where did you get that rig?” yelled Jim, not knowing at first whether to be annoyed or amused by her outlandish getup.
    “Celia helped me,” giggled Trixie. “It seems that when she and Tom go out for an evening, she sometimes puts on a bit of eye makeup. She helped me put on not just a bit but scads of the stuff!” Trixie gingerly wiped the corner of one eye with her little finger. “And the skirt is part of the uniform she wears when she serves dinner.”
    Tom came