“Think he means anything?” asked Fenn of Bart.
“I don’t care whether he does or not. I’m sorry to have to act that way, but if the team’s going to amount to anything it’s got to obey orders. If you fellows don’t want me for captain, say the word and I’ll resign.”
“Resign nothing!” exclaimed Ned. “I’d like to see you do it. Eh, fellows?”
“That’s right!” came from the crowd that had heard what Sandy said.
“Let’s go for a row on the river after school,” suggested Bart to his chums during the noon recess, and they agreed. The boys jointly owned a well-equipped boat in which they frequently made trips down to the lake. It was a four-oared barge, roomy and comfortable, though not speedy.
“Shall we bring our fishing tackle along?” asked Ned.
“You can if you like,” replied Bart. “I’m not going to. I’m just going to take it easy.”
Quite a crowd of boys went to the river after school. Some took their swimming suits, while others went to fish or row, as a number of them had boats. The four chums soon got their craft out from the house, at a public dock, where it was kept.
“Who’ll row?” asked Frank.
“Draw lots,” suggested Bart, and the choice fell to Ned and Fenn.