For a few moments the boys were too surprised to know what to say. They trailed along after Noddy and the girl, noting that the two seemed to be enjoying themselves. As the couple entered an ice cream store Jerry remarked:
“Well, it’s a free country. He can take out any girl he likes, I suppose, and we haven’t anything to do with her.”
“It makes me mad to see a nice girl like that out with such a fellow as Noddy,” exclaimed Ned.
“Ah, I guess Ned’s lost his heart,” spoke Bob.
“Lost nothing!” sputtered Ned. “But you know what sort of a chap Noddy Nixon is. Would you want him to go out with any girl you knew?”
“But you don’t know this one,” said Jerry.
“I’ve been introduced to her,” replied Ned. “But I suppose it’s none of our business. Come on, let’s go home.”
“I guess Ned is rather smitten with Jessica,” remarked Jerry in a low voice to Bob, as they started for Harmon Beach.
“Don’t blame him,” came from Bob. “She’s a fine girl.”
On the way home the chums talked over Noddy’s sudden reappearance. They agreed he was not a pleasant acquaintance to have, but decided as long as he did not interfere with them they could do nothing.