It was no other than Deacon Nocker who had so silently entered. He stood listening to what was being said for and against the Truesdale woods. Dick could see the smile on his thin face, and he noticed the way he kept nodding his head as he followed the arguments advanced.
“I guess it’s as good as settled,” was what Dick was telling himself; though, in reality, he had no means of knowing what kind of offer Mr. Nocker was going to make to the boys of the Y. M. C. A. to whom he owed so much happiness.
“Allow me to say a few words, boys,” remarked the deacon, presently, at which there was a craning of necks, and many eager looks cast in his direction. “Most of you may not know that I own all the land around Lake Russabaga, including a famous camp-site on Bass Island. I’ve come here to-night to make you an offer, which pleases me much more than it can any of you. Now, if the proper arrangements can be made for transportation, and your parents are willing you should go so far from home, I want the Y. M. C. A. boys to camp up there on the prettiest lake in the whole State. I hope you’ll accept my offer, which comes direct from my heart!”
CHAPTER V
A BRIGHT PROSPECT AHEAD
Dick was laughing now. He had had good reason to suspect that Mr. Nocker intended to help them.
Everybody was looking happy after hearing the wonderful offer which the deacon had just made. Led by Dan Fenwick, the boys raised a shout in which the name of Mr. Nocker was plainly distinguishable.
The deacon held up his hand as though he had something more to communicate, so Dick, as chairman of the meeting, knocked on the table with his gavel to bring the wild cheering to an end.
“There are a few things I want to say to you, boys,” began the deacon, evidently enjoying the sensation of being so heartily cheered. “The first is in connection with the expense you will all be under, if you accept my offer. Lake Russabaga is a good many miles away from Cliffwood, and the railroad fare will amount to considerable.”
“We’ll be glad to stand for that, sir!” announced one boy, quickly.
“I have no doubt but the majority of you can spend the money required without feeling it,” continued the deacon, with a quick look toward the three mill boys who were leaning forward and listening eagerly. “But there may be a number who would like to go, and yet who could not spare the money to pay their expenses. I have a little plan to help them out.”