“I overheard them talking about it in the gym. They’re going to take two or three baskets of good things with them.”
“That’s a shame!” cried Paxton.
“We ought to spoil their game,” suggested Gus Coulter. “Can’t we do it, Dan?”
“I don’t know.” Baxter became thoughtful. “Where are they going, Mumps?”
“Up to Gerry’s Point, on the lake. It’s about two miles from here.”
“We might row up in one of the boats and see what we can do,” answered the bully. So it was arranged, and Baxter, Paxton, and Mumps set off without delay. Coulter wished to go along but could not because he had an extra lesson to do, he having missed several times during the week.
Jack and his friends started in high glee. They had three baskets filled with good things to eat and to drink, and each basket was carried by two boys, the handle having a stick passed through it for that purpose.
“I’m going to have a swim,” declared Andy. “I know it’s a little late in the season, but the water is pretty warm.”
“I’m with you,” said Pepper. “I shan’t mind the cold water. Why, I take a cold bath two or three times a week, in the bathtub.”
“Cold baths are very healthy,” came from another of the crowd. “My father used to be quite weak, but now he takes a cold bath every morning and it is wonderful how strong he is getting.”