"Then we have got to wait?" asked Giant reproachfully.
"And when we are dying by inches to know," added Whopper.
"Yes, you've got to wait. So the sooner we get out on the river the better—-if you are dying, as you say," responded the doctor's son.
While talking the four chums had been watching the departure of the Ham Spink crowd from another dock. Soon the boat that carried the dudish bully and his cronies disappeared around a bend of the river.
In a very few minutes Shep and his chums had their rowboat out. They were used to rowing together, and each took his accustomed place at the oars. Shep gave the word, and like clockwork four blades dropped into the water and the rowboat shot away from the dock.
"Where shall we go?" asked Giant.
"Let us row over to Lackney's orchard," answered Snap. "Dandy apples there—-and Mr. Lackney told me we could help ourselves."
"Suits me!" cried Whopper. "I'd rather eat apples than go to a fire. Us three can eat while Shep does the spouting."
"Humph! perhaps I'd do a little eating myself," came from the doctor's son.
It was an ideal day in midsummer, and all of the lads were in the best of spirits. As they rowed along they discussed the encounter with the Spink faction.