“There you go again,” exclaimed Herb, with a laugh, “always thinking of that stomach of yours. Don’t you ever think of anything serious?”
“Serious?” echoed Jimmy. “It’s a serious enough thing for me, where to get that milk chocolate. I’ve been in pretty nearly every candy store in town, but none of them seems to have anything quite so good.”
By this time the boys had reached Main Street, and they parted for the time being, promising to get to Bob’s house as soon as they could after supper.
The Layton family had hardly finished their evening meal when there came a ring at the doorbell, and Bob jumped up to admit the expected guest.
“Hello, Mr. Brandon!” exclaimed Bob, as they both shook hands heartily. “It seems great to see you again.”
“I can say the same thing about you,” replied Frank Brandon. “You’re tanned like a life guard at Coney Island. I’ll bet you haven’t been far from salt water all summer.” 105
“You’re right there,” smiled Bob. “I was in the water so much that it’s a wonder I didn’t turn into a fish. The whole bunch of us had a wonderful time of it.”
“Good enough!” Brandon exclaimed, heartily. “Where’s all the rest of your crowd this evening?”
“They’ll be around soon now. I’m expecting them any minute. There’s Joe’s whistle now! I thought he’d be along soon.”
As he finished speaking Joe came bounding up the porch two steps at a time, and he had hardly got inside and shaken hands with Brandon when Jimmy and Herb appeared together. There was great excitement while they exchanged greetings, and then they went into the parlor and were made welcome by Mr. and Mrs. Layton.