For Chet was a very proud youth, and did not want to be seen carrying a bundle, especially by a young lady whose good opinion he desired.
“Charming day, Miss Chase,” murmured Chet, as he resumed an upright position.
“Delightful,” agreed the girl. “Where have you been, Andy? I haven’t seen you in some time.”
“Oh, we have been sailing.”
“Have you rescued any more strange boys?” she went on. “Oh, I think that was so romantic! Does he know who he is yet?” For the story of Paul Gale was well known in Harbor View by this time.
“He hasn’t the least idea,” answered Andy.
“Beautiful day,” observed Chet, edging nearer to the girl. “Oh, I said that before, didn’t I?” he asked in confusion, for the dude’s powers of talk were rather limited. “I mean, do you think it’s going to rain?”
“Hardly,” replied Andy. “But say, Chet, why don’t you open the present I gave you?”
Andy could not resist the opportunity of seeing how his joke would turn out—especially when there was a girl present to witness it.
“Oh, I—I don’t want to now,” replied Chet, and he took a step backward. Accidentally he stepped on the paper containing the large lobster. The string slipped off. There was a rustling movement in the wrapping and the paper suddenly opened. Something of a sort of greenish hue came into view; something with big claws. Neither Chet nor Andy noticed it, for they were both talking to Miss Mabel. The girl saw the lobster slowly reach up one large claw.