"I've got a little errand to do uptown," was Frank's reply. "I'll see you later."
Ned, Bart and Fenn looked at one another, but they said nothing. It was not like Frank to go off by himself, but they did not comment on it at the time, as they did not want their companions to take notice.
A little later the crowd at the swimming place began to disperse. The three chums walked away together, conversing in low tones of Frank's action. As they were going through the woods, along a path that led over the fields to the outskirts of the town, they saw a boy stretched out on a log. His eyes were closed and he seemed asleep.
"It's Jim Morton," said Bart. "What's he doing here? I thought he was too lazy to walk this far," for Jim had the reputation of disliking exertion of any kind.
"Hello, Jim!" called Ned. "What you doing here?"
"Waiting for you," replied Jim.
"For me?"
"All three of you. Got a message."
"What is it? Speak up! Don't be all day about it," exclaimed Bart.
"Judge Benton gave me a quarter to come out here and see if I could find any of you chums."