"I wish they'd leave us alone," was Shep's comment. "I am getting so I fairly hate the sight of Ham and Carl Dudder."
"So do I," added Whopper. "But they don't intend to leave us alone, and that is all there is to it."
"I am sorry they are going up into the Windy Mountains," said Shep.
"It will——-" And then he stopped short.
"Say, Shep, if you keep on like that we'll pitch you overboard," cried Whopper. "If you've got anything to tell, tell it, or else keep still."
"Wait till we get to Lackney's orchard," was all the doctor's son would reply.
They soon came to a bend in the river and, crossing here, drew up to a spot where some trees and bushes overhung the water. All leaped ashore and Snap tied the craft fast to a stake. Then the chums strolled up to some near-by apple trees, selected some fruit that suited them, and threw themselves on the ground to enjoy their feast.
"Now we are ready to listen to your imperial majesty's secret," observed Giant as he munched a juicy apple.
"Yes, let us in on it, by all means," added Snap.
"And don't say it's about lessons for the coming fall," put in
Whopper with a mock-serious look.
"Lessons!" burst out Giant. "Perish the thought!"