"So that good-for-nothing young fellow has come back to these parts," put in Mr. Westmore. "I was in hopes that Lakeport had seen the last of him."
"I heard that he was back several days ago," said Mrs. Westmore. "Mrs. Darrow mentioned it. Said he looked pretty well run down and seedy."
"He was just horrid," went on Laura. "When his boat came up to us he called out, 'How do you do, ladies?' just as if he was a close friend."
"I hope you didn't answer him," said Joe.
"Indeed I didn't, and neither did the other girls. Mr. Felding told him to keep off or he'd run into us. Marcy didn't like that, and when he sailed away he yelled after us, 'Think you're all some pumpkins, don't you? Well, I reckon I'm as good as any of you!'"
"His impudence always was monumental," was Harry's comment. "If he comes back to Lakeport he has got to learn to keep his distance."
"If I were you, boys, I should have nothing to do with him," came from Mr. Westmore. "He is a bad egg, and if you give him half a chance he will be sure to make trouble for you. Better not notice him."
"Well, he has got to let Laura alone," said Joe.
"If he bothers Laura I'll attend to him myself," answered Mr. Westmore.