"Second the motion!" returned Snap.
"So say we all of us!" sang out Whopper. "I've been dying for a swim for the last ten years!"
"Dying again! Poor boy!" sighed Shep. "Now, if you'll only live——-"
He got no further, for, coming up behind him, Whopper pulled him over on the grass. As he went rolling he caught his tormentor by the ankles and down came Whopper. Then over and over rolled both lads, up against Giant, who joined in the tussle good-naturedly.
"Look out for the fire!" yelled Snap, and as they rolled close to the flames he tried to force them back. Then down he went himself, and the mix-up became more strenuous than ever. It was good, healthy fun, and Tommy Cabot stood by with a broad grin on his face, enjoying it thoroughly. As they rolled toward the woods he picked up an armful of leaves and scattered it over the crowd. The tussle lasted for full five minutes, and then the various boys sat up almost exhausted.
"Guess you've got an appetite for dinner now," observed the boy from the circus.
"Appetite!" cried Whopper. "I could eat a house and lot!"
"With the fence and barn thrown in," added Giant.
They washed up a bit and soon had dinner, consisting of baked maskalonge, pancakes and chocolate. For dessert they had apples.
"Now we'll rest for an hour and then go swimming," said Shep, and so it was decided. All took a nap, Tommy lying down on the grass with the faithful Wags beside him.