Although it was September, the evening proved to be very warm, and, on arriving at Creighton’s, Frank and Bart found something of a lawn party was in progress. The garden was illumined by Chinese lanterns, with the exception of certain cozy corners where comfortable seats could be found, and such corners were much sought by more or less sentimental young couples.
An orchestra furnished delightful music, and the hum of voices and sound of laughter could be heard on all sides, while pretty girls and manly-looking lads strolled and flitted hither and thither about the grounds.
“Jove!” muttered Frank, as he and Bart paused and looked about. “This is a surprise! Creighton didn’t tell us what was going to happen.”
“If he had, I should have spruced up a trifle more,” came ruefully from Hodge. “I have half a mind to skip out now.”
“And I have half a mind to skip with you,” confessed Merry.
“Neither of you shall do anything of the kind!” exclaimed the voice of Mabel Creighton, and then she, accompanied by Bessie Blossom, swooped down on the hesitating lads and made them captives.
“This is just a jolly surprise all around,” Mabel explained. “There is scarcely a soul present who knew what was going to happen. Charlie said it was the last opportunity we’d have for a lawn party this season, and we decided to improve the occasion. We’ll have a jolly time.”
“We always have a splendid time here,” said Bessie, clinging to Bart’s arm. “Charlie said you were coming, and we have been waiting for you.”
“And now we’ve caught you, you can’t get away,” laughed Mabel.
“Then we must resign ourselves to fate and thank goodness we have such charming captors,” smiled Frank.