BACK TO CRUMVILLE
"I think those on board that steam yacht can congratulate themselves because the fire was no worse," remarked Roger, when the boys had returned to the Eaglet.
"Yes indeed," answered Dave. "Some fires at sea are terrible things, and cause a great loss of life."
"Seems to me Dave was the hero of the occasion!" burst out Ben. "He did the really-and-truly rescue act."
"Come now, don't start anything like that!" interrupted Dave, hastily. "I only did what any of you might have done."
"I know one thing," remarked Phil, closing one eye suggestively. "Dave made some hit with the young lady he pulled out of the water."
"That's right!" agreed Shadow. "Why, do you know I thought Miss Ford was going to throw her arms right around his neck."
"Oh, cut it! cut it!" said Dave, growing red in the face. "Shadow, your imagination will be the death of you."
"Oh, I don't know," replied the former story-teller of Oak Hall, coolly. "She certainly was smitten, Dave."
"Not at all. She was grateful, that's all."